TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The majority of New Caledonia’s citizens refuse to become an independent state from France. As many as 53.26 percent of votes were cast referendum held today, October 4, 2020 chose New Caledonia to remain colonized by France.
This is the second election after 2018 where the majority of the votes rejected New Caledonia independence from France.
Even though this country in the South Pacific region is about 20 thousand kilometers apart from Paris, its attachment to its colonial state is still strong. France colonized New Caledonia in 1853 and is still part of French territory.
New Caledonia has extended autonomy status unless education and defense is dependent on France.
“Voters have voiced their voices. They confirmed their hope that New Caledonia remains part of France. As head of state, I respect the trust that this Republic shows with deep gratitude,” he said. Emmanuel Macron, The President of France in a statement broadcast on television as quoted by Reuters.
The referendum was driven by tensions between the indigenous Kanaks who want New Caledonia to be a fully independent state and citizens who remain loyal to France.
The indigenous Kanaks are excluded from a large part of the economy in New Caledonia. The first revolt occurred in 1878, not long after the discovery of the large nickel deposits that are now exploited by SLN, a subsidiary of French mining company Eramet.
New Caledonia, which currently appears to be under expanding Chinese influence, is supported by an annual US $ 1.5 billion subsidy from France, a nickel reserve deposit estimated at 25 percent of world deposits, and tourism.
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