New Caledonia polls open in first local vote since 2019 amid independence debate

New Caledonia is heading to the polls for its first provincial elections since 2019, a vote that will shape the balance of power in the French overseas territory amid ongoing discussions about its political future and the persistent issue of independence.

Approximately 192,000 voters are eligible to elect 76 councillors across three provincial assemblies: the South Province, North Province, and Loyalty Islands. Fifty-four of these elected officials will form the territory's congress, its primary governing body responsible for local legislation. Subsequently, congress members will select up to 11 individuals for the executive collegial government.

These elections occur after a period of political tension, including the rejection of a proposed deal with France by the main pro-independence group. This accord, known as the Bougival Accord, aimed to establish a Caledonian state and nationality but would have eliminated future independence referendums. Despite three past referendums in 2018, 2020, and 2021 showing majorities in favor of remaining with France, the independence movement, particularly among the indigenous Melanesian Kanak population, retains significant support.

Recent changes to the electoral roll, approved in May, have added about 10,575 previously excluded "native-born" residents, including over 4,000 Kanaks. This expansion increases the number of eligible voters for Sunday's poll. The election takes place against a backdrop of heightened security, with France deploying around 2,400 law enforcement officers following deadly riots in 2024 that resulted from a previous plan to extend voting rights. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has pledged that negotiations on the territory's future status will resume next month, with the aim of reaching an agreement by the end of the year.