The indigenous Kanak population — who are largely pro-independence — decided to abstain because they have been in a 12-month mourning period after the surge in Delta cases in September.Former consul-general in New Caledonia Denise Fisher said Kanak mourning rites were extensive, even for the loss of one community member, let alone almost 300.
So, why is this referendum a big deal? How likely could this lead to unrest? And why does the result matter to Australia?New Caledonia is an archipelago about 1,500 kilometres east of Brisbane, with a population of approximately 300,000, and has been a French territory for 168 years.
The Noumea Accord was, in essence, a promise by the French Republic to grant increased political power to New Caledonia and its Kanak population. "They want a speedy vote because they say, 'Look, let's have it quickly because the economy is stagnating, so much uncertainty, investment has left the place, we really want to get things back on an even keel'," Ms Fisher said.
New Caledonians, i.e., Kanakys should gain their own Indipendence; not dictated or subjected to/by any other power. The French have overstayed their welcome in the Pacific.
China will claim another scalp 😎
Tough decision, the EU is a total mess right now. But some alternatives are much worse.
Just another Pacific island State to become a welfare basket case. Not a thing to be proud of but I'm sure the extra money coming in will salve their pride.
Hope they stay with France. The last thing we need is another failed state next door.
The quicker they get independence, the quicker their new leaders can sell their descendants into a thousand generations of indentured servitude China.
Closer to Brisbane than Cairns and just out there. A strategic Global position to both Australia and the USA. I’m with France.
Don't know why countries like France, Britian, Spain, Portugal, and the Dutch think they can walk in and take over a country. At least in the case of Australia, multiculturalism has made Australia the great country it is. Not same for other countries.
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