New Caledonia makes history with pro-independence candidate's victory in French elections Article by The Guardian

New Caledonia has elected an Indigenous Kanak pro-independence candidate to France's parliament for the first time in decades, marking a setback for French loyalists in the region, which has experienced significant unrest.

Over the weekend, voters in this French Pacific territory voted for their representatives in two seats in France's national parliament. Emmanuel Tjibaou emerged victorious over a loyalist candidate in the second round of voting, while right-wing candidate and French loyalist Nicolas Metzdorf secured New Caledonia’s other parliamentary seat, Caliber.Az reports citing The Guardian.

Tjibaou becomes the first pro-independence candidate to win a seat in the national assembly since 1986. A political novice, he is the son of Jean-Marie Tjibaou, a prominent Kanak independence leader who was assassinated in 1989. His victory is seen as a setback for the pro-France movement in the territory.

In May, riots erupted after lawmakers in Paris approved a constitutional amendment allowing recent arrivals in New Caledonia to vote in provincial elections. This decision, later suspended by President Emmanuel Macron, was feared by the Kanak population to further dilute their influence. Kanaks make up about 40 per cent of New Caledonia’s population.

Although tensions have eased recently, the territory has continued to experience bouts of unrest. Nine people, including two police officers, have been killed in the violence, which caused widespread damage to businesses, shops, and homes.

Tjibaou expressed a sense of responsibility given New Caledonia's ongoing situation, marked by weeks of violence and riots.

He told public broadcaster NC la 1ère that he deplored the "dramatic situation" and emphasised the urgent need to "restore the conditions" for dialogue to resume between pro-independence and pro-France parties.

Tjibaou remarked that the elections were "proof that democracy is alive" in New Caledonia and stressed that democratic processes should be the only way for people to express themselves.

New Caledonia has recently achieved a significant milestone by electing an Indigenous Kanak pro-independence candidate to France's parliament for the first time in decades. This historic election marks a notable shift in the political landscape of the French Pacific territory, which has long been characterised by complex dynamics between pro-independence movements and those favouring continued ties with France. The successful candidacy represents a culmination of efforts by the Kanak community, who have historically sought greater autonomy and recognition within New Caledonia's political framework.