AGP Executive Report

New Caledonia Politics: Pro-France parties won the most seats in the territory’s first provincial elections since 2019, but fell short of an outright majority—Les Loyalistes-Le Rassemblement took 24 of 54 seats, while the pro-independence bloc won 26, leaving centrist L’Eveil océanien as kingmaker with 4 seats. Turnout was 63.7%, down from 66.5% in 2019, and the vote followed the 2024 unrest that delayed the election for years. Southern Province Results: In the South, the “Strong and United” list led by Sonia Backès surged to 50.4% and is set to dominate the provincial assembly with 28 seats, while pro-independence lists held firm in the North and Loyalty Islands. Regional Sports: Auckland United crushed New Caledonia debutants Drehu Athletico Club 11-1 in the OFC Women’s Champions League, while Puaikura FC (Cook Islands) opened with a 0-7 loss to Auckland United but still has a path to the semis. Pacific Environment: Pacific leaders are meeting on Indigenous-led conservation and climate resilience, with New Caledonia among participants.

New Caledonia Politics: Pro-France parties won the most seats in the territory’s first provincial elections since 2019, but fell short of an outright majority—24 of 54 for Sonia Backès’ Les Loyalistes-Le Rassemblement versus 26 for pro-independence blocs, with centrist L’Eveil oceanien holding the balance with four seats. Turnout was 63.7%, down from 2019, and the vote followed the 2024 unrest that delayed elections and kept security tight. Regional Environment: Pacific leaders and Indigenous representatives are meeting to strengthen Indigenous-led conservation and climate resilience, with New Caledonia among participants. Fisheries Cooperation: The 25th Forum Fisheries Committee ministerial meeting wrapped up in Wellington, with New Caledonia’s minister attending as an observer as Pacific states set priorities for regional fisheries. Sports: Auckland United crushed New Caledonia debutants Drehu Athletico Club 11-1 in the OFC Women’s Champions League, while Puaikura FC still has a path to the semi-finals after a heavy opening loss. Tourism: A global tourism report flags New Caledonia among the world’s fastest-growing destinations, with strong growth in international arrivals.

New Caledonia Election Fallout: Pro-France parties won the most seats in this week’s long-delayed provincial elections, but fell short of an outright majority in the 54-seat Congress—24 seats for Les Loyalistes–Le Rassemblement versus 26 for pro-independence blocs, with centrist L’Eveil océanien holding 4 and likely acting as kingmaker. Southern Province Sweep: In the South, the “Strong and United” list led by Sonia Backès took about 50.4% of the vote and 28 of 40 seats, while pro-independence lists secured seven (FLNKS) and five (Eveil Océanien). Turnout & Context: Turnout was 63.7% (down from 66.5% in 2019) after the vote was repeatedly delayed following the 2024 unrest. Regional Watch: Pacific leaders also met on Indigenous-led conservation, with New Caledonia among participants.

Provincial Election Fallout: New Caledonia’s long-delayed provincial vote has delivered a clear loyalist win in the South, but no party bloc has an outright majority in Congress. Final figures confirm Sonia Backès’ Les Loyalistes–Le Rassemblement alliance taking 28 of 40 seats in the Southern Province (50.4% of the vote), while pro-independence lists split support in the North and Loyalty Islands, leaving the overall Congress balance at 24 loyalist seats versus 26 pro-independence seats, with centrist L’Eveil océanien holding 4 kingmaker seats. Security and Turnout: The election was held peacefully under heavy policing after the 2024 unrest, with turnout down to about 63.7% (around 192,500 registered voters). Next Steps for Talks: With Congress now set to choose the government, the centrist bloc’s role could shape how negotiations with France move forward.

Elections in New Caledonia: Pro-France loyalists won the most seats in the territory’s long-delayed provincial elections, but fell short of an outright majority, leaving a centrist party as kingmaker. Final figures confirmed Sonia Backès’ Les Loyalistes–Le Rassemblement alliance at 24 of 54 seats in Congress, with pro-independence blocs taking 26 and L’Eveil océanien holding 4. The vote, held June 28 after unrest in 2024, saw turnout drop to about 63.7% and heavy security as the territory’s next government is set to shape talks with France. Regional politics: Prime Minister Matthew Wale called for a stronger, more effective Melanesian Spearhead Group after talks with PNG’s James Marape in Port Moresby. Pacific conservation: Indigenous leaders and conservation groups gathered for a Pacific learning exchange on Indigenous-led conservation and climate resilience. Tourism growth: Mongolia ranked among the world’s fastest-growing destinations, with New Caledonia also cited in global tourism growth lists. Sport: Auckland United opened the OFC Women’s Champions League with an 11-1 win over New Caledonia debutants Drehu Athletico Club.

Provincial Election Fallout: New Caledonia’s first provincial vote since the 2019 cycle ended with the pro-France bloc emerging as the largest grouping in Congress (24 of 54 seats), but still short of an outright majority, leaving the centrist L’Eveil oceanien (4 seats) in a kingmaker role; in the South Province, the “Strong and United” alliance (Les Loyalistes–Le Rassemblement) won a clear lead (about 50.4% and 28 of 40 seats), while pro-independence lists held firm in the North and Loyalty Islands. Security & Turnout: Voting took place under heavy policing after the 2024 unrest, with turnout down to about 63.7% (from 66.5% in 2019), and officials confirming results after the vote. Regional Indigenous Conservation: Pacific leaders and Indigenous advocates, including participants from New Caledonia, met this week to push Indigenous-led conservation and climate resilience through traditional governance. Tourism Spotlight: A UN tourism report flags New Caledonia among the world’s fastest-growing destinations, ranking just behind Mongolia in growth momentum.

Elections Update: New Caledonia’s long-delayed provincial vote is reshaping the territory’s politics again, with the pro-France coalition emerging as the largest bloc but still short of an outright majority—24 of 54 seats for Sonia Backes’ Les Loyalistes-Le Rassemblement versus 26 for the pro-independence camp, leaving centrist L’Eveil oceanien as kingmaker with four seats. Southern Province Swing: Pro-France lists dominated the South, winning 28 of 40 seats there, while pro-independence support held firm in the North and the Loyalty Islands, keeping the overall Congress balance close to the 2019 setup. Security & Turnout: Polling ran peacefully under heavy security after the 2024 unrest, with turnout down to about 63.7% (around 192,500 voters), and alcohol sales banned ahead of election day. Regional Diplomacy: Separately, PM Matthew Wale urged a stronger Melanesian Spearhead Group after talks with PNG’s James Marape in Port Moresby.

Provincial Election Fallout: New Caledonia’s long-delayed provincial elections are now final, with the pro-France coalition Les Loyalistes–Le Rassemblement emerging as the largest bloc in Congress (24 of 54) but falling short of an outright majority, while the pro-independence camp UC-FLNKS/UNI-Palika/Dynamique Autochtone takes 26 seats and centrist L’Eveil océanien holds the balance (4), setting up a kingmaker role for coalition talks. Southern Province Shift: Official figures confirm a strong win for the “Strong and United” list in the South, led by Sonia Backès, with 50.4% of the vote and 28 seats in the provincial assembly, while pro-independence lists lead in the North and the Loyalty Islands. Election Day Context: The vote—first since 2019 after 2024 unrest—ran under heavy security and lower turnout (about 63.7%), with the results expected to shape the next phase of negotiations with France.

Provincial Election Results: New Caledonia’s long-delayed provincial elections have been officially confirmed, with the pro-France “Strong and United” alliance (Les Loyalistes and Le Rassemblement) winning the South Province and taking 28 of 40 seats there, while pro-independence lists lead in the North and the Loyalty Islands. Turnout and Stakes: Turnout was 63.71% (down from 66.50% in 2019), and the vote—held peacefully under heavy security—will shape the territorial Congress and the next collegial government, crucial for future talks with France. Political Balance: Pro-independence parties remain strong overall, but the South is set to be dominated by loyalists, with provisional figures pointing to a Congress split similar to 2019. Regional Diplomacy: In Port Moresby, PM Matthew Wale urged a stronger Melanesian Spearhead Group after talks with Papua New Guinea’s James Marape.

Provincial Election Fallout: New Caledonia’s long-delayed provincial elections closed and counting began Sunday, with preliminary results pointing to a pro-France win in the South Province. The “Strong and United” alliance led by Sonia Backès is projected at about 50.4% in the South, likely securing 28 seats in the provincial assembly and 24 of 54 in the Territorial Congress. Turnout and Stakes: Turnout was about 54.4% at close, with 192,584 registered voters choosing 76 councillors across the South (40), North (22) and Loyalty Islands (14). Those councillors will shape the Congress and the collegial government that will steer talks with France. Security and Calm: Heavy security—around 2,500 officers—was deployed after the 2024 unrest that delayed the vote; reports during polling said no major incidents. Political Balance: Despite the South shift, pro-independence support remains strong in the North and Loyalty Islands, keeping the overall Congress balance similar to 2019.

Provincial election results: New Caledonia’s long-delayed provincial vote is complete, with pro-France loyalists leading in the South Province, while pro-independence forces top the North and the Loyalty Islands, keeping the familiar blocs intact as the territory heads toward renewed talks with France. Security and turnout: Voting took place under heavy police presence after the 2024 unrest, with polling described as calm; turnout was reported around 54% at close, with 192,500 registered voters choosing 76 provincial councillors. Why it matters: The new provincial assemblies will shape the territorial Congress and the collegial government, which will influence the next phase of status negotiations—an issue still framed by decolonisation and self-determination debates. UN pressure: Pacific church leaders and UN decolonisation voices warned the elections must not be used to “normalise” an unresolved colonial situation.

Elections in focus: New Caledonia has begun its long-delayed provincial elections, with polling stations opening at 8am and closing later as officials start tallying. Security setup: Around 2,500 police and gendarmes were deployed across the archipelago, including drones and armored vehicles, after the 2024 unrest that left 14 dead and caused about €2.2 billion in damage. What’s at stake: About 192,000 voters choose 76 provincial councillors (South 40, North 22, Loyalty Islands 14); 54 will sit in Congress, which then selects up to 11 members of the collegial government—key for renewed talks with France on the territory’s status. Campaign backdrop: Alcohol sales were banned ahead of voting, and campaigning ends Friday midnight. Culture & community: Separate from the vote, National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations are set for Sunday at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park, with music, food, vendors, and cultural performances.

Elections & decolonisation pressure: Pacific church leaders have urged the UN to treat New Caledonia’s upcoming provincial elections as part of a real decolonisation pathway, warning the vote can’t be used to “normalise” an unresolved colonial situation. Local politics: Campaigning closes Friday before Sunday’s provincial elections that will reset the balance of power across North, South and the Loyalty Islands, feeding into Congress and a new collegial government. Northern Province race: In the lead-up to the same vote, reporting highlights how long-time Northern Province leader Paul Neaoutyine faces a challenge as his UNI coalition campaign is disrupted by personal and political setbacks. Transport disruption: In the Loyalty Islands, customary groups say protests against Air Calédonie’s hub relocation will continue past June 28, keeping flight disruptions likely into mid-July. Regional air update: Air Oceania has resumed daily Nouméa Magenta–Lifou services after a fuel shortage, with further routes planned. Sports (New Caledonia in focus): Drehu Athletico Club is set to open the OFC Women’s Champions League in Honiara against Auckland United, with the tournament shaping regional qualification hopes.

Elections Pressure: UN decolonisation talks on New Caledonia face fresh scrutiny after Pacific church leaders warned the upcoming polls can’t be used to “normalise” an unfinished colonial situation, urging the UN to assess the electoral environment and keep the pathway to self-determination credible. Campaign Countdown: With campaigning set to end Friday midnight ahead of Sunday’s provincial elections, parties are making their final push as voters choose new provincial assemblies that will shape the territorial Congress and the next collegial government. Alcohol Ban: The French High Commission has banned alcohol sales and consumption in New Caledonia until next Sunday’s election day, citing unrest risks and targeting of police and gendarmes. Northern Province Watch: In the Northern Province, long-time president Paul Neaoutyine’s leadership faces a challenge as provincial politics remain tightly linked to the territory’s wider independence debate. Air Travel Disruption: In the Loyalty Islands, protests against Air Calédonie’s hub relocation are set to continue past the June 28 vote, likely extending flight disruptions into mid-July. Regional Sport: Drehu Athletico Club will open the OFC Women’s Champions League in Honiara against Auckland United, with New Caledonia represented among the seven-team field.

Provincial Election Countdown: New Caledonia’s campaigning ends Friday midnight ahead of Sunday’s provincial elections, the first since 2019, with 192,000 voters choosing 76 provincial councillors (South, North and the Loyalty Islands) that will then shape the territory’s Congress and collegial government. Alcohol Ban: The French High Commission has banned alcohol sales and consumption until June 28 to help prevent unrest, citing a tense economic and social climate and incidents targeting police and gendarmes. Air Travel Disruption: Air Oceania has resumed daily flights between Nouméa Magenta and Lifou after a fuel shortage, while Air Calédonie’s wider network remains disrupted by ongoing Loyalty Islands protests over the hub transfer. Sovereignty Tensions: Vanuatu is stepping up its push to reclaim remote Matthew and Hunter Islands from France, tying the dispute to cultural and spiritual links and broader decolonisation debates. Women’s Football in Honiara: Drehu Athletico Club and other Pacific sides are set for the OFC Women’s Champions League in Honiara, with New Caledonia’s club drawn in Group B.

Election Countdown: New Caledonia’s provincial vote is set for Sunday 28 June, the first since 2019 after delays, with 192,000 voters choosing 76 provincial councillors (South, North and the Loyalty Islands) that will shape the Congress and the collegial government. Campaign Pressure: Parties are making a final push ahead of campaigning ending Friday midnight, with the pro-independence UC-FLNKS and the pro-France coalition (Rassemblement, Les Loyalistes) both stressing their paths for sovereignty and the territory’s future. Alcohol Ban: The French High Commission has banned alcohol sales and consumption until election day, citing unrest risks and targeting of police and gendarmes. Northern Province Watch: In the North, veteran Palika leader Paul Neaoutyine’s long run faces fresh challenge as voters weigh regional economy and services. Air Disruption Update: Air Oceania has resumed daily Nouméa Magenta–Lifou flights after a fuel shortage, while Air Calédonie protests in the Loyalty Islands are set to continue past the election. Tourism & Jobs: New Caledonia Tourism and Aircalin appoint Viviana Hales as Australia sales executive to boost trade and tour operator links. Sports Spotlight: Drehu Athletico Club will face Auckland United in the OFC Women’s Champions League opener in Honiara, with New Caledonia represented on the regional stage.