New Caledonia polls open in first local vote since 2019

Polls opened in the French overseas territory of New Caledonia on Sunday for the archipelago’s first provincial elections since 2019, after the vote was delayed as talks stalled over its political future. The election, initially planned for 2024, will determine the balance of power ahead of fresh negotiations with France, with independence remaining the defining political issue.

About 192,000 voters will elect 76 councillors for three provincial assemblies – 40 in the South Province, 22 in the North Province and 14 in the Loyalty Islands. Fifty-four of those elected will become members of the Pacific archipelago’s congress, the territory’s main governing institution and the only body authorised to pass local laws, and members of congress will then elect up to 11 members to the collegial government.

New Caledonia, South Province, North Province, Loyalty Islands

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