One of New Caledonia's main pro-independence parties, the Caledonian Union, has re-elected its leader, Charles Pidjot.
A three-day annual party meeting gave him overwhelming support, with more than 80 percent of delegates voting for him.
Noumea's daily newspaper has described the outcome as a surprise as there had been claims that his dealings with the rival anti-independence camp had blurred the party's line.
The party meeting came a month before the Congress of the pro-independence umbrella organisation, the FLNKS, is to be convened.
