The government is seeking approval from the National Assembly on May 13th for a constitutional bill aimed at changing the electoral body for provincial elections in New Caledonia. This seemingly minor decision could have serious implications for civil peace in New Caledonia. Following the events of the 1980s, peace was achieved through the Matignon-Oudinot agreements in 1988. This choice of dialogue over war was continued with the Nouméa decolonization agreement in 1998, which included a specific electoral body as a recognition of the presence of two peoples in the region, one of which was colonized, and the recognition of a specific Caledonian citizenship.
In 2007, under the presidency of Jacques Chirac, these provisions were enshrined in the Constitution to honor the commitments made by the State. The period initiated by the 1998 agreement could include up to three self-determination referendums. In the event of a vote rejecting independence, local political parties must reassess the situation created, but cannot undo the irreversible transfer of competencies agreed upon in the accord. The questioning of the decolonization objective came when the “no” vote won with 56.7% in 2018, and again with 53.3% in 2020. The third referendum was originally scheduled for 2022, but Macron advanced it to December 2021, amidst the Covid-19 crisis, leading to a boycott by independence supporters due to the high rate of abstention.
How can a self-determination referendum be considered legitimate if the people concerned did not participate in the vote? In this context of legitimate distrust, the resumption of discussions was challenging, with a key point of contention being the composition of the electoral body. The government’s unilateral decision to abruptly impose a significant change (+14%) to the electoral body has once again derailed the dialogue process and undermined the decolonization objective. It disregards the vote of the French people in 1988, recognizing the existence of a first people and the colonial reality, emphasizing that there can be no common destiny without the voice of the Kanak people being heard and respected. Discussions must continue until an agreement is reached, as the current organization is adequate for the territory’s needs.
The decision to change the electoral body for provincial elections in New Caledonia is seen as a threat to the peace process in the region, which has been based on dialogue and respect for the two distinct peoples living there. The move to alter the electoral body unilaterally and significantly without consensus has reignited tensions and challenged the progress made towards decolonization. The importance of including the voice of the Kanak people in decision-making processes is highlighted, as their participation is crucial for any lasting peace and cooperation in the territory. A return to meaningful dialogue and negotiation is essential to address the current impasse and work towards a sustainable solution that respects the rights and aspirations of all communities in New Caledonia.
The implications of the proposed changes to the electoral body for provincial elections in New Caledonia go beyond just the technical aspects of voting procedures. They touch upon the fundamental principles of representation, democracy, and self-determination for the different communities living in the region. By unilaterally altering the composition of the electoral body, the government risks undermining the fragile peace established through past agreements and jeopardizing the progress made towards resolving longstanding issues of decolonization and fair governance in New Caledonia. The need for inclusive and transparent processes that respect the rights and voices of all stakeholders is essential to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for the territory.
