The Congress of New Caledonia is poised to elect the territory's first pro-independence government.
Provisional lists were submitted last week by the main political groupings in the French Territory ahead of the election on Wednesday.
This comes after the collapse of government earlier this month following the withdrawal of the pro-independence bloc.
An expert on New Caledonia, Victoria University history lecturer Adrian Muckle says they had expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of constructive dialogue regarding the crisis in the territory's nickel sector.
Mr Muckle says the pro and anti independent groupings are equal in strength but what has changed is the Pacific Awakening Party, which takes a neutral stance on the issue of New Caledonian independence, looks to have changed its allegiances..
Five pro-independence politicians, who are members of the pro-independent Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS), in the 11-member executive have resigned. Photo: AFP
