 In 1977, under the leadership of Jean-Marie Tjibaou, he chose to recognize the Congress of Bourail as independent from Caledonia. That year he was chosen as a Representative of his party in the Territorial Assembly of New Caledonia.
<meaning-changed>  In 1977, under the leadership of Jean-Marie Tjibaou, he chose to recognize the Congress of Bourail as independent from Caledonia. That year he was chosen as a Representative of his party in the Territorial Assembly of New Caledonia.
 In 1977, he contested the East constituency in the elections that year and was elected to the Territorial Assembly of New Caledonia.