FRENCH President Emmanuel Macron said “a period of transition” will begin for New Caledonia today, after voters overwhelmingly rejected independence.

“A period of transition is beginning, free from the binary choice of ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. We must now build a common project, while recognising and respecting the dignity of everyone,” said the head of state in a recorded message.

The country can be “proud” of the process designed to settle the status of the islands under which residents are asked if they wish to break away from France in three separate referendums, he added.

“Tonight, France is more beautiful because New Caledonia has decided to remain a part of it.”

The Pacific islands’ high commission showed that 96.5% of voters are against independence, while only 3.5% are in favour. Turn-out was a mere 43.9%.

Pro-independence people have boycotted the vote, saying “a fair campaign” is impossible with high Covid-19 case numbers and that they want it postponed to September.

Observers said the result can exacerbate ethnic tensions, with the poorer indigenous Kanak community generally favouring independence over the wealthier white community.

Macron made no direct mention of the boycott, but admitted that voters are “profoundly divided”.

He also expressed condolences to “all those who have lost a loved one”. – AFP, December 12, 2021.