22 Jul 2019

Dispute within New Caledonia's FLNKS over election of vice-president

5:13 am on 22 July 2019

There is dissent within New Caledonia's pro-independence FLNKS movement over the way the vice-president Gilbert Tyueinon was elected.

Mr Tyuienon of the Caledonian Union was chosen with the support of the ministers of the anti-independence Future with Confidence.

His election came after weeks of deadlock while the pro-independence side ran two candidates, Mr Tyuienon and Jean-Pierre Djaiwe.

The UPM faction with in the FLNKS said this election has undermined the movement's credibility.

In an interview with the Nouvelles Caledoniennes, the UPM's Victor Tutugoro said given the development the role of the FLNKS spokesperson is being questioned.

He said a debate has to be held within the FLNKS before the signatories to the Noumea Accord meet.

Mr Tyuienon's election has also been criticised by the anti-independence Caledonia Together party