Transcript
WALTER ZWEIFEL: The main pro-independence parties which make up the FLNKS umbrella group have decided to run with a single list in the most populous and richest province which is the southern province. This alliance is seen as possibly crucial to getting extra representation in an area dominated by an array of anti-independence parties. There have been no polls in recent time but since the November referendum on independence from France, there has been a sense that the race could be very tight between the two camps. Let's remember that the left vs right of French politics has no significance here. It's a question of independence or not.
KOROI HAWKINS: Does the anti-independence side share this assessment?
WZ: To great extent, yes. One of the main anti-independence parties, the Caledonian Republicans, formed a coalition with like-minded pro-French groups and worked towards a single list of candidates in the Loyalty Islands province with the argument that only by joining forces they had a chance of winning a seat in the assembly there. But a deal with Caledonia Together, which is the dominant anti-independence party, fell over last week because tthe two sides could not agree on the ranking of their respective candidates. In the northern province, which is also dominated by the pro-independence parties, there were no attempts to pool forces.
KH: How inclusive are these main two camps?
WZ: A total of 25 lists have been submitted which shows there is a broad spectrum. The Labour Party, which has been represented in the outgoing Congress, wasn't included in the pro-independence FLNKS list mainly because it boycotted last year's independence referendum. There are several small parties seeking representation for the first time while for example the National Rally, formerly the National Front, wants to get back into the assembly in the southern province. Its chances are seen as slim despite the huge support its leader Marine Le Pen had in Noumea when she ran for the French presidency two years ago.
KH: How significant are women candidates?
WZ: Under French law, the electoral lists must alternate male and female candidates. This has been the uncontested standard for many years and sees women topping several lists, but not the main ones. They come in usually second and then fourth place. Having said that since 2004 New Caledonia has had two women presidents and today for example the mayor of Noumea is a woman.
KH: What are the challenges facing the incoming administration?
WZ: The independence question is almost certain to be raised again with another independence referendum within two years. However, there is also talk of needing to find an arrangement that is more conciliatory, meaning to work towards possibly attaining the status of an independent country associated to France. Within New Caledonia, the challenges are numerous, with social security and health care costs causing financial stress.
KH: Finally, who can vote?
WZ: A peculiarity of New Caledonia is that only long-term residents can vote. The provision dates back to 1998 and is to counter the effects of migration from France which has turned the indigenous Kanaks into a minority. This means that about 40,000 people have no vote although they may have been living there for years.
