Skip to Content

New Caledonia votes to stay in France; separatists boycott

KIFI

By CHARLOTTE ANTOINE-PERRON
Associated Press

NOUMEA, New Caledonia (AP) — Voters in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia voted overwhelmingly Sunday to stay part of France in an independence referendum marred by a boycott from separatist forces. They had called for the vote to be delayed because of the pandemic and were angry over what they said were government efforts to sway the campaign. French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the result and ordered the launch of negotiations on the territory’s future status. Official results showed 96% of voters favored staying in France. Keeping New Caledonia is important for French geopolitical ambitions in Indo-Pacific, and the vote was closely watched amid growing Chinese influence in the region.

Article Topic Follows: AP National

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KIFI Local News 8 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content