31 Dec 2019

Conditions for proxy votes in New Caledonia referendum outlined

12:02 pm on 31 December 2019

The French High Commission in New Caledonia has outlined the procedure to authorise a proxy vote in the September referendum on independence from France.

Flags outside the French High Commission in New Caledonia.

Flags outside the French High Commission in New Caledonia. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Walter Zweifel

It encourages those considering or constrained to give their vote to someone else not to delay registration.

The verification process details the circumstances that allow proxy voting, the institutions which handle applications and the documentation needed.

A voter is only allowed to cast one proxy vote and only of a person in the same area.

Voting in the referendum is restricted to long term residents in line with the Noumea Accord.

A first of three referendums possible under the terms of the Noumea Accord saw just 57 percent opt for the status quo.

If voters reject independence a second time in September the next referendum can be held by 2022.

New Caledonia has been on the UN decolonisation list since 1986.

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