9 Jun 2012

Political party in New Caledonia lodges complaint following gunfire

4:45 am on 9 June 2012

The Caledonia Together Party has lodged a complaint after unknown gunmen fired gunshots that cut the power supply to the venue of its campaign meeting.

The incident in Paita came close to the end of the election campaign for the territory's two seats in the French National Assembly.

The party says the attack was aimed at disrupting the meeting.

13 candidates are standing in this week's first round of the election for two members who in the past traditionally represented pro-French centre-right interests.

The campaign debates have highlighted bitter rivalries within the dominant anti-independence camp as New Caledonia is to determine its path once the Noumea Accord on greater autonomy is to enter its final phase.