Campaigning has officially begun for New Caledonia's provincial elections next month although parties have been preparing for the vote for weeks.
Campaigning is allowed up until midnight of the Friday before the vote on Sunday 12 May.
Kanak and French flags on Ouvea island. Photo: AFP
Last week, the French High Commission approved the 25 lists of candidates contesting the seats of the three assemblies out of which a new 54-seat Congress will be formed for a five-year period.
There have been no opinion polls but the unexpectedly tight result in last November's referendum on independence from France suggests it will be a close contest between the rival pro-independence and anti-independence sides.
Another independence referendum can be called if a third of members in the new Congress wish to have one.
