16 Nov 2020

Palika wants early New Caledonia referendum

6:52 pm on 16 November 2020

New Caledonia's pro-independence Palika Party said the third referendum on independence from France should be held as soon as possible.

The party congress agreed that the vote should be held before campaigning starts for the French presidential election due in 2022.

After last month's vote rejected full sovereignty, a third referendum can be requested on 4 April at the earliest, if a third of Congress members wish to proceed.

New Caledonia votes a second time on independence from France

Photo: AFP or licensors

Anti-independence parties, however, are against a further referendum, suggesting instead a new arrangement within the French republic.

The Palika wants talks with Paris about a future partnership between an independent New Caledonia and France.

The Palika also said it supports the campaign for Sofinor to get an opportunity to bid for the Vale plant which is for sale.