1. New Caledonia's Independence Referendum: Local and Regional Implications
- Author:
- Denise Fisher
- Publication Date:
- 05-2019
- Content Type:
- Commentary and Analysis
- Institution:
- Lowy Institute for International Policy
- Abstract:
- As 30 years of peace agreements come to an end, stability in New Caledonia is now at risk. New Caledonia faces an uncertain future as it prepares for its last local elections under the Noumea Accord, and as it enters a four-year process ending 30 years of peace agreements. The continued stark ethnic divide over independence revealed in the November 2018 referendum, the first of potentially three such votes, revives old tensions and complicates essential discussions about future governance, which will have consequences for France, Melanesian neighbours and the wider region. While strategically Australia benefits from continued French regional engagement, its support should not be at any cost.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Elections, Political stability, and Referendum
- Political Geography:
- Australia, Asia-Pacific, New Caledonia, and Melanesia