Islanders choose to stick with France
FRENCH PRESIDENT Emmanuel Macron has said the majority of New Caledonians who voted in a referendum on independence chose to remain part of France.
In a televised address from Paris, Mr Macron pledged “there is no other path than that of dialogue” on the future of the South Pacific archipelago which has been part of France since 1853.
Mr Macron said it showed “confidence in the French republic”.
“I have to tell you how proud I am that we have finally passed this historic step together,” he added. French prime minister Edouard Philippe will meet with officials in New Caledonia to discuss future plans.
The referendum was the result of a process that started 30 years ago to end years of violence between those both for and against separation from France.
The polls opened yesterday morning asking more than 174,000 registered voters are invited to answer the question: “Do you want New Caledonia to gain full sovereignty and become independent?”
Observers had expected a majority to favour remaining a part of France, based on opinion polls and previous election results.
New Caledonia, a cluster of islands, is home to about 270,000 people.
They include the native Kanaks, who represent about 40 per cent of the population, while people of European descent make up about 27 per cent, with others from Asian countries and Pacific islands.
It relies on France for defence, law enforcement, foreign affairs, justice and education, yet has a large degree of autonomy.
New Caledonia receives about €1.3 billion (£1.1 billion) in French state subsidies every year, and many had feared the economy would suffer if ties are severed.
The referendum is the result of a process that started 30 years ago to end years of violence between supporters and opponents of separating from France.
The violence, which overall claimed more than 70 lives, prompted a 1988 deal between rival loyalist and pro-independence factions. Another agreement a decade later included plans for an independence referendum.
Most Kanaks have tended to back independence, while most descendants of European settlers have favoured keeping the French connection.
To ensure security during the vote, additional police were sent to New Caledonia. Authorities also banned the carrying of firearms and alcohol sales immediately before and during the vote.