The third referendum on independence in New Caledonia will take place on December 12 – archyde

The future of New Caledonia should play out well on December 12. Despite the showdown engaged by the separatists who do not wish to participate in the referendum on the independence of the archipelago, because of the Covid-19 epidemic, the date initially chosen has been confirmed.

The High Commissioner of the Republic Patrice Faure made the announcement during a trip to the independentist commune of Ponérihouen on the east coast of New Caledonia, highlighting the improvement in the health situation, reported Thursday, November 11. , local media.

From October 20, the FLNKS separatists had indicated that they would not participate in the third and last consultation on the accession to the full sovereignty of New Caledonia. They estimate ” impossible “ holding a “Fair campaign” because of the many deaths and health restrictions and wanted to postpone the vote to September 2022. On the other hand, the loyalist parties wanted its maintenance in order to give “Readability” to the Caledonians, and particularly to economic players in great difficulty.

“We don’t feel concerned”

“We thank the State for assuming its responsibilities and thus offering future prospects to Caledonians by giving us the possibility of closing the period of the Nouméa Accord”, reacted the movement Les Voix du non, which brings together the main loyalist parties.

They pointed out that “Health indicators (…) are now acceptable and sustainable ” to give back “Possible” the organization of a campaign, which they themselves resumed for two weeks. “We regret that at this time in our common history the separatists are not up to the challenges”, also indicated Les Voix du non.

FLNKS spokesperson Daniel Goa, for his part, confirmed, in the 1st New Caledonia, that the independence coalition “And all the nationalists as a whole” maintained their position and “Would not go to the polls” December 12. “We do not feel concerned by this referendum because the health and social conditions are not met to be in serenity and peace”, did he declare.

The Kanak leader recalled that the FLNKS did not call for violence and asked its activists “To stay at home” on the day of the vote while not excluding “Overflows” of the fact “Young people sensitive to the independence cause” and who do not follow the instructions. The FLNKS asked the independence mayors to ensure “The normal course” of the ballot.

This third vote brings to the end a process initiated since the Matignon-Oudinot agreements in 1988, under the authority of Michel Rocard, extended by the Nouméa agreement of May 5, 1998, under the government of Lionel Jospin. Two referendums have already taken place on November 4, 2018 and October 4, 2020, and were won by the non-separatists with 56.7% and then 53.3% of the votes.