New Caledonia votes to remain with France over independence in latest referendum

In latest development from New Caledonia,  majority of voters in South Pacific archipelago chose to remain a part of France over independence on Sunday, October 4. Out of total voters who participated in referendum that was a part of a 30-year-long decolonisation efforts, 53.3 percent people supported maintaining ties with France and remaining 46.7 percent sought independence. 

As per reports, overseas ministry said that voter turut was very high and more than 85 percent people h cast ir ballots in last hour before polls closed. In certain stations such as in umea, capital, polls closed at least an hour late due to a huge line of voters at closure time.

Sunday’s independence referendum was to end disagreement between native Kanaks who want independence and residents who are willing to remain in France. As per reports, political leers in New Caledonia have ackwledged need for a dialogue between pro and anti-independence sides.

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History of referendums

Following 1980s violence between South Pacific island’s Kanak people and descendants of European settlers, a peace deal was achieved by both factions in 1988. While Kanaks represent only 40 percent of entire island population, as per reports, Europeans who were born in territory amount to about a third; ors remain from mixed herit. 

Sunday’s independence referendum came in line with several similar votes cast by islanders in past. A dece after 1988 peace deal between factions, umea Agreement h granted New Caledonia political authority and bro automy along with planning  organisation of up to three successive referendums. 

In 2018, 56.4 percent of people rejected independence from France in a similar referendum. voters cast ir ballots on October 4, 2020, to take part in second round and third referendum is reportedly expected to be organised by 2022.

While French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed “expression of confidence in Republic” and expressed gratitude, president of archipelago’s government, Thierry Santa ackwledged “deep division” among people. Santa, who supports being part of French territory, called for roundtable talks between both sides. 

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(With AP Inputs)