New Caledonia has made history by electing a pro-independence Indigenous Kanak candidate to France’s parliament for the first time in decades.
This development is seen as a setback for French loyalists in a territory that has recently experienced significant unrest.
Over the weekend, the French Pacific territory’s voters selected their representatives for 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 second parliamentary seat.
Tjibaou’s win marks the first time a pro-independence candidate has secured a seat in the national assembly since 1986.
A political newcomer, he is the son of Jean-Marie Tjibaou, a notable Kanak independence leader who was assassinated in 1989.
His victory is viewed as a setback for the pro-France movement in the territory.
The election followed weeks of deadly violence in the capital, Noumea, triggered by proposed changes to voting laws from Paris.
In May, riots erupted after lawmakers in Paris approved a constitutional amendment allowing recent arrivals in the territory to vote in provincial elections—a decision, now suspended by President Emmanuel Macron, which the Kanak population feared would dilute their influence. Kanaks comprise about 40% of New Caledonia’s population.
Although tensions have eased recently, the territory continues to experience sporadic unrest.
The violence, which has resulted in nine deaths—including two police officers—has caused extensive damage to businesses, shops, and homes.
Tjibaou expressed a sense of responsibility amidst New Caledonia’s ongoing turmoil, according to RNZ.
On Sunday, he told public broadcaster NC la 1ère that he deplored the “dramatic situation” and emphasized the urgent need to “restore the conditions” for dialogue between pro-independence and pro-France parties.
Tjibaou affirmed that the elections were “a proof that democracy is alive” in New Caledonia, adding that this should be the only way for people to express themselves.
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