Francis Sanford

Francis Ariioehau Sanford (11 May 1912 – 21 December 1996) was a French Polynesian politician. He served as a member of the French National Assembly from 1967 until 1978.

Early life Sanford was born in Papeete and had an American grandfather. He initially worked in the docks, before becoming a waiter and then a teacher. In the National Assembly he initially joined the Independent Republicans, before switching to the Progress and Modern Democracy group following the 1968 elections. He later joined the Reformist Movement after its foundation in 1972.

He remained a member of the National Assembly until 1978, and later served as President of French Polynesia's Council of Government. He was also the founder of the Aia Api party. He retired from politics in 1985.