Macron welcomes New Caledonia referendum result

A majority of voters in New Caledonia, an archipelago in the South Pacific, have chosen to remain part of France, instead of backing independence Sunday in a referendum that marked a milestone moment in a three-decade long decolonization effort.

In a televised address from Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed "an expression of confidence in the Republic with a deep feeling of gratitude".

The overseas ministry said results show 53.3% of the voters who participated in the referendum on Sunday had chosen to maintain ties with France, while 46.7% supported independence.

The vote has been marked by a very high turnout.

Over 85% of voters cast their ballots one hour before poll stations closed, according to the ministry.

Some polling stations in Noumea, the capital, closed an hour late because people were still waiting in long lines to vote at the planned closing time.

Sunday's independence referendum is amid final steps of plans initiated in 1988 to settle tensions on the archipelago between native Kanaks seeking independence and residents willing to remain in France.

The South Pacific archipelago has been part of France since 1853.

Two years ago, 56.4% of voters who participated in a similar referendum chose to keep the archipelago's ties with Paris.

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