Voters in the French overseas territory of New Caledonia cast ballots on Sunday in the archipelago's first provincial elections since 2019. The vote, initially planned for 2024, was delayed due to stalled talks over the territory's political future. The results will determine the balance of power ahead of fresh negotiations with France on New Caledonia's status. Independence remains the defining political issue.
Peaceful Election Amid Heightened Security
The election took place peacefully, with additional security deployed following deadly riots in 2024 over a plan to extend voting rights. An hour before polling stations closed, turnout stood at 54.42 percent, slightly down from 58.49 percent at the same point in 2019.
Eligible Voters and Electoral Changes
Some 192,500 voters were eligible to elect 76 councillors for three provincial assemblies. A law approved in May added around 10,575 previously excluded residents to the electoral roll, including more than 4,000 people with 'customary civil status', which denotes Kanaks.
Political Context and Future Negotiations
The elections come after the main pro-independence group rejected a deal with France intended to bring stability to the territory. The so-called Bougival Accord would have created a Caledonian state and established a Caledonian nationality, but would have scrapped any future referendums on independence. Three referendums held in 2018, 2020 and 2021 returned majorities in favour of remaining part of France, although pro-independence groups boycotted the third vote during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Voter Sentiments and Expectations
For many voters, the election represents a crucial moment for the archipelago. Cedric Ixeco, a 43-year-old from the indigenous Kanak group, said he wants to see changes in people's day-to-day lives. Barbara Meylan, 53, hopes the election will help stabilise the country and find common ground.
