5 Jun 2019

New Caledonia anti-independence side fears losing govt control

10:54 am on 5 June 2019

The former president of New Caledonia's Congress, Gael Yanno, says he is worried a mainly pro-independence government will be elected next week.

Former president of New Caledonia's Congress, Gael Yanno.

Former president of New Caledonia's Congress, Gael Yanno. Photo: AFP

Mr Yanno made the comment on local television after he officially handed over the reins of Congress to the pro-independence politician Roch Wamytan who was elected president last week.

Mr Wamytan was chosen after securing the support of the new kingmaker the Pacific Awakening party.

Mr Yanno said for the first time in history all key positions in the legislature are held by the pro-independence camp.

"The loyalists are in a minority in all the commissions of Congress and they have also elected a pro-independence vice-president and a pro-independence president of the permanent commission. That's the outcome of the fratricidal fight among the loyalists."

Another anti-independence politician and former Congress president Thierry Santa said it would be grotesque if a pro-independence government emerged after most voters opted to stay with France.

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