This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-46087053

The article has changed 12 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
New Caledonia: French Pacific territory votes on independence New Caledonia: French Pacific territory rejects independence
(about 3 hours later)
Voters in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia have taken part in a referendum on whether to remain part of France or become independent. Voters in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia have rejected a bid for independence, partial results say.
The vote was promised as part of a deal two decades ago after a violent campaign by separatists from the indigenous Kanak people. With two-thirds of the ballots in, some 59.5% voted in favour of remaining part of France, local media reported. Turnout was nearly 81%.
Pro-independence groups have urged Kanak voters to throw off the "shackles of colonial authorities" in Paris. The vote was promised as part of a 1998 deal after a violent campaign by indigenous Kanak separatists.
However, polls suggest a majority of voters will reject independence. New Caledonia has large deposits of nickel, a vital component in manufacturing electronics.
The turnout towards the end voting on Sunday was 73,68%, compared with 58.1% at the same point during local elections in 2014, officials said. It is seen by France as a strategic political and economic asset in the region.
New Caledonia has large deposits of nickel, a vital component in manufacturing electronics, and is seen by France as a strategic political and economic asset in the region. About 175,000 people were eligible to vote in the territory, east of Australia, where Kanaks make up 39.1% of the population.
About 175,000 people are eligible to vote in the territory, east of Australia, where Kanaks make up 39.1% of the population.
French nationalism is strong among the territory's ethnic Europeans - constituting 27.1% of the population - and observers say even some Kanaks back staying part of France.French nationalism is strong among the territory's ethnic Europeans - constituting 27.1% of the population - and observers say even some Kanaks back staying part of France.
The remaining third of the population of New Caledonia's 268 ,000 inhabitants are also largely said to oppose independence.The remaining third of the population of New Caledonia's 268 ,000 inhabitants are also largely said to oppose independence.
The remote islands receive about €1.3bn (£1.1bn; $1.5bn) from the French government every year.The remote islands receive about €1.3bn (£1.1bn; $1.5bn) from the French government every year.
French President Emmanuel Macron is due to give a televised address following the results which are expected at 23:00 local time (12:00 GMT).French President Emmanuel Macron is due to give a televised address following the results which are expected at 23:00 local time (12:00 GMT).
During a visit to the capital, Nouméa, in May, he said that France would be "less beautiful without New Caledonia".During a visit to the capital, Nouméa, in May, he said that France would be "less beautiful without New Caledonia".
Voters going to the polls on Sunday are being asked the question: "Do you want New Caledonia to gain full sovereignty and become independent?" Under the terms of the 1998 deal, a No vote result on Sunday may not spell the end of the independence drive. Two further referendums on independence can still be held before 2022.
Under the terms of the 1998 deal, in the event of a No vote, two further referendums on independence can still be held before 2022. A Yes vote would have made New Caledonia the first French territory to break away since Djibouti (1977) and Vanuatu (1980).
If there is a Yes vote, it will be the first French territory to break away since Djibouti (1977) and Vanuatu (1980).
New Caledonia is represented in the French parliament by two deputies and two senators.New Caledonia is represented in the French parliament by two deputies and two senators.
It has a congress which elects an executive with powers over some policy areas - notably policing, education and local laws.It has a congress which elects an executive with powers over some policy areas - notably policing, education and local laws.
France first claimed the islands in 1853 and once used them as a penal colony.France first claimed the islands in 1853 and once used them as a penal colony.
In the 1980s there were clashes between French forces and indigenous Kanaks.In the 1980s there were clashes between French forces and indigenous Kanaks.
The climax of that conflict came when Kanak separatists killed four French gendarmes and took another 23 hostage in a cave. The subsequent French assault cost the lives of 19 Kanaks and two soldiers.The climax of that conflict came when Kanak separatists killed four French gendarmes and took another 23 hostage in a cave. The subsequent French assault cost the lives of 19 Kanaks and two soldiers.