Five political parties in New Caledonia have been authorised to campaign in the November referendum on independence from France.
Right-wing parties rally in Noumea against New Caledonia's possible independence and the Socialist government in France Photo: AFP
The French High Commission announced the names approved by the commission overseeing the process of the plebiscite.
There are three anti-independence parties: the Caledonian Republicans, the Rassemblement and Caledonia Together.
On the pro-independence side, the recognised parties are the Caledonian Union/FLNKS and the National Union For Independence.
These five parties can be reimbursed for their campaign expenses.
Opinion polls suggest a majority will vote to stay with France.
In the last independence referendum in 1987, the pro-independence camp boycotted the vote and more than 98 percent rejected independence.
