44 Global News Post 1
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“New Caledonia Votes to stay with France in a referendum boycotted by the Indigenous population”
Posted: 12/18/2021
New Caledonia is a French territory off the east coast of Australia. It was first colonized in 1853 and has been on the United Nations list for decolonization since 1986. After violent clashes between the indigenous population, the Kanaks, and descendants of settlers in the 1980’s a peace accord was signed in 1998. It was set to hold three independence referendums to determine the future of the territory.
The first two referendums were held in 2018 and 2020, both of which resulted in the citizens voting to remain with France. The margin of these referendums was only ten thousand votes and voter turnout was over 80%. The third referendum was held in December 2020 and concluded with a vote to stay a territory of France.
However, there is controversy over the final referendum as the Kanak elders have declared a year of mourning after over 300 Kanak people died due to covid-19. The Kanak people called for a postponement of the final referendum, but France ignored this. In response, the pro-independence groups boycotted the referendum and voter turnout was only 43.9%.
There are calls to declare the final referendum results void because of non-participation. France however denies that low turnout has any effect on the validity of the referendum. France is happy to accept this result as New Caledonia is an important territory to the French presence in the region as well as key in mining exports.
Since the referendum not much has changed. There are post-referendum discussions supposed to take place but the independence groups have refused to participate before the end of the French presidential election in 2022. As well as future negotiations based on the relationship between the islands and France. A transition period is scheduled to take place until 2023, during which the status of New Caledonia within the French Republic will be discussed.
Roth (2013) The flag of Kanaky (PDF) Springtime of Nations Springtime of Nations: France’s Far Right Wants Early Vote on New Caledonia Independence—but Only Because They’re against It