15 May 2019

New Wallisian Party has kingmaker roll in New Caledonia

From , 3:03 pm on 15 May 2019

A party formed in New Caledonia just two months ago has become the potential kingmaker after the weekend election of a new Congress.

The Pacific Awakening party, which emanates from the migrant Polynesian community of Wallisians and Futunians, has secured three of the 54 seats.

The anti-independence side has 25 seats and the pro-independence bloc 26, meaning both are just a couple of votes short of a majority.

Walter Zweifel reports.

Flags outside the French High Commission in New Caledonia.

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