Four presidents of overseas regions demand the “immediate withdrawal” of the reform
The presidents of the Guadeloupe, Martinique, Guyane, and La Réunion regions have asked for the “immediate withdrawal” of the electoral reform in New Caledonia. They believe that only a political solution will put an end to the increasing violence and prevent civil war. They are calling for the government to retract the proposed constitutional reform aimed at changing the electoral system for elections in New Caledonia-Kanaky as a precondition for a peaceful dialogue. The statement was published by the public media portal Outre-mer La 1ère and was signed by the presidents of La Réunion, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Guyane, along with nearly twenty parliamentarians from various overseas territories.
The signatories of the statement, including Huguette Bello, the president of the regional council of La Réunion, are concerned that the security measures currently in place, such as restrictions on movement, house arrests, and increased police presence, are not effective in resolving the situation. They fear that these repressive measures could escalate violence and hinder the return to peace. Instead, they are advocating for political dialogue and the withdrawal of the proposed reform as a way to address the underlying issues and prevent further unrest.
The statement is also signed by parliamentarians representing other overseas territories like French Polynesia, Saint-Martin, and Saint-Barthélemy. Their appeal for the withdrawal of the reform is based on the belief that a political solution is necessary to resolve the conflict in New Caledonia and prevent the situation from deteriorating further. They emphasize the importance of engaging in peaceful dialogue and finding a mutually acceptable solution that respects the rights and interests of all parties involved.
The call for the immediate withdrawal of the reform is seen as a crucial step towards de-escalating tensions and preventing the situation in New Caledonia from spiraling into violence and conflict. The signatories of the statement believe that only through political dialogue and a commitment to peaceful resolution can a lasting solution be found. They are urging the government to prioritize dialogue and negotiation as a way to address the grievances and concerns of the various stakeholders in New Caledonia and avoid further unrest.
The presidents of the overseas regions and the parliamentarians who have signed the statement are united in their stance that the current security measures are not a sustainable solution to the conflict in New Caledonia. They believe that a political approach that addresses the root causes of the tensions and respects the rights and aspirations of all parties involved is the only way to achieve a lasting and peaceful resolution. By calling for the withdrawal of the electoral reform, they are seeking to create the conditions necessary for a meaningful dialogue and constructive engagement that can lead to a positive outcome for all parties.
In conclusion, the joint statement issued by the presidents of the overseas regions and the parliamentarians calls for the immediate withdrawal of the electoral reform in New Caledonia as a pre-requisite for the resumption of a peaceful dialogue. They stress the importance of finding a political solution to the conflict and avoiding the use of repressive measures that could exacerbate the situation. The signatories are committed to promoting dialogue, negotiation, and mutual understanding as the key to resolving the conflict in New Caledonia and ensuring a peaceful and sustainable outcome for all parties involved.
