Summary
The provincial election in New Caledonia has been postponed until the end of 2025 by France’s new Prime Minister, Michel Barnier. This decision comes amid ongoing tensions and unrest in the territory, particularly between the Indigenous Kanak population and loyalist settler communities, following controversial voting reforms.
In his inaugural address to parliament, Barnier emphasized the need to address the “exceptionally grave crisis” in New Caledonia, where violent protests erupted earlier this year due to proposed changes to the voting registry. These changes were perceived by many Kanaks as favoring recent arrivals and undermining their political representation. The decision to delay the elections is intended to provide time to stabilize the situation and address pressing issues, such as the high cost of living affecting residents in the territory. Barnier also announced that he would not forward a controversial constitutional amendment regarding voting lists to parliament, aiming to prevent further escalation of tensions in a region that has seen significant unrest and violence.
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