Key facts
- New Caledonia's provincial elections resulted in the loyalist alliance Les Loyalistes-Le Rassemblement winning 24 of 54 seats.
- The pro-independence bloc secured 26 seats.
- The centrist party L'Eveil oceanien holds four seats, making it pivotal in forming a government.
- The election follows deadly unrest in 2024 over proposed changes to the electoral roll.
- The new government will play a key role in future discussions with France about the territory's status.
New Caledonia's provincial elections have concluded with the loyalist coalition, Les Loyalistes-Le Rassemblement, securing the largest number of seats with 24 out of 54 in Congress. However, this bloc fell short of an outright majority, leaving the pro-independence coalition with 26 seats and the centrist party L'Eveil oceanien holding the crucial four seats needed to form a government.
The elections, held on June 28, were the first since 2019 and followed significant unrest earlier in 2024 related to proposed changes to the electoral roll. These changes have highlighted the deep divisions within the French Pacific territory, which is home to approximately 270,000 inhabitants, including a significant Melanesian Kanak population (around 41%) and a European population (around 24%).
The outcome places L'Eveil oceanien in a kingmaker position, as the next executive government will be elected by proportional representation within Congress. This government is expected to play a critical role in future negotiations with France regarding New Caledonia's political status. Previous referendums have favored remaining part of France, though the most recent vote in 2021 was boycotted by pro-independence parties.