New Caledonia (French colony) independence referendum

[-:Undertaker:-]

New Caledonia (French colony) independence referendum

The small pacific island votes today on whether to become independent from France after 165 years

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-46087053

Voters in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia are taking part in a referendum on whether to remain part of France or become independent. The vote was promised as part of a deal two decades ago after a violent campaign by separatists from the indigenous Kanak people.

Pro-independence groups have urged Kanak voters to throw off the "shackles of colonial authorities" in Paris. However, polls suggest a majority of voters will reject independence. About 175,000 people are eligible to vote in the territory, east of Australia, but Kanaks make up less than 50% of the electorate.

French nationalism is strong among the territory's ethnic Europeans and observers say even some Kanaks back staying part of France. The remote islands receive about €1.3bn (£1.1bn; $1.5bn) from the French government every year. New Caledonia has large deposits of nickel, a vital component in manufacturing electronics, and is seen by France as a strategic political and economic asset in the region.

French President Emmanuel Macron is due to give a televised address following the results which are expected at 23:00 local time (12:00 GMT). During a visit to the capital, Nouméa, in May, he said that France would be "less beautiful without New Caledonia". Voters going to the polls on Sunday are being asked the question: "Do you want New Caledonia to gain full sovereignty and become independent?"

Hopefully the result is a No.

There is a limit to 'independence' - and New Caledonia isn't a large enough country to really have independence in the real sense. More to the point, with increasing Chinese outreach into the South China Sea nearby, cutting France off from the region is bad for France, the west in general and New Caledonia. Throw of the 'shackles' of French colonialism if you will - will Chinese colonialism be as kind?

I'll post the result when they come through. Thoughts?

[-:Undertaker:-]

It's a Non. Viva la France! Viva la Empire!

France (New Caledonia):

Independence Referendum
Provisional final results

Yes: 43.1%
No: 56.9%

Turnout: 79.7%

Map via NC La 1ère#NouvelleCalédonie #ReferendumNC2018 #NewCaledonia pic.twitter.com/EhLRVCoxzW

— Europe Elects (@EuropeElects) November 4, 2018