He comes to erase from the shelves of the National Assembly the name of Marion Maréchal, elected youngest deputy of the Republic in 2012 when she was 22 years old. Born in 2000, aged 21, the independence candidate Tematai Legayic was elected the youngest deputy in the history of the Fifth Republic this Sunday, beating Nicole Bouteau, former Minister of Tourism, in the 1st constituency of French Polynesia.
The newly elected, whose party, Tavini huira’atira (“serve the people”), is supported by the Nupes, obtained 50.88% of the votes cast, according to figures from the prefecture of Polynesia, against 49.12% for Nicole Bouteau, supported by the presidential majority. He reverses a situation which did not place him in a favorable tie, however, since he was 6,000 votes behind at the end of the first round. Two other members of his Polynesian formation were elected deputies this Sunday.
Tematai Le Gayic was born in Papeete and grew up in Tubuai, an island in the Austral archipelago, then in Tahiti. He obtained a double degree in political science and history at the University of Paris 8 Vincennes-Saint Denis, before integrating a master’s degree in political science research at the School of Advanced Studies in Social Sciences (EHESS), suspended for campaign in Polynesia.
He stands out for his eloquence
During his studies, he chaired the Association of Students of French Polynesia (AEPF) then the Federation of Student Associations of French Polynesia (FAEPF). He fought against student precariousness and defended access to culture through Tahitian and Polynesian dance classes.
The accession to full sovereignty of French Polynesia constitutes the basis of its political commitment. The young elected official also wishes to protect local employment and land, as well as offering Maohi citizenship. He also campaigns for the adaptation of higher education to Polynesian realities and for the protection of the environment.
In his first interview given after his election, Tematai Le Gayic gave his position on his wish for independence to Tahiti infos: “Instead of a relationship of subordination, we want a relationship of cooperation. “Many of the people who came to vote told me that they wanted to trust new people in politics. And I think whatever the political groups are, they have to start looking for new people,” he said. According to the local media, he was to fly to the metropolis this Sunday.
An excellent speaker in French and in Tahitian, Tematai Le Gayic has won several awards in declamation and Tahitian dance competitions. He also led a traditional singing group. Barely elected, the young deputy could already lose his crown as the youngest elected member of the Palais-Bourbon this Sunday evening if Louis Boyard (LFI), wins in the 3rd constituency of Val-de-Marne. The latter is indeed six weeks his junior.