AGP Executive Report

New Caledonia Provincial Elections: Polls have closed and counting is underway after the territory’s first provincial elections since 2019, delayed by the 2024 unrest. Security & Turnout: About 2,500 police were deployed to polling stations, with officials reporting no incidents during voting; turnout was down to 63.7% (from 66.5% in 2019), with 192,500 registered voters. Southern Province Result: Pro-France parties “Strong and United” (Les Loyalistes and Le Rassemblement) are projected to win about 50.4% of the vote in the South, likely taking 28 of 40 seats locally and 24 of 54 in Congress—boosting their dominance in the most populous province. Congress Balance: Despite the loyalist surge in the South, pro-independence parties are expected to remain strong in the North and Loyalty Islands, leaving Congress broadly balanced compared with 2019. UN Decolonisation Pressure: Pacific church leaders urged the UN to treat the elections as part of a real decolonisation pathway, warning they can’t replace a political settlement after the 2024 violence.

New Caledonia Election Results: Long-delayed provincial elections are now producing a clear political picture: pro-France loyalist lists are leading in the Southern Province, with preliminary figures showing Sonia Backès’ “Strong and United” camp winning about 50.4% of the vote and set to take majorities locally and a top bloc in Congress. Turnout & Stakes: Voting was held peacefully under heavy security after the 2024 unrest that derailed the ballot. Turnout was down to about 54% at the close, with 192,500 registered voters choosing provincial assemblies that will shape the next territorial government and future talks with France. Bloc Balance Across Provinces: While the South swings loyalist, pro-independence support holds in the North and Loyalty Islands, keeping Congress broadly balanced rather than delivering a total shift. UN Decolonisation Pressure: Pacific church leaders have urged the UN not to treat the elections as a substitute for a real political settlement, warning the decolonisation process remains unfinished.

Provincial Election Fallout: New Caledonia’s first provincial vote since 2019 is complete, with counting underway after polling closed and turnout reported at about 54% early on; the long-delayed election is set to shape the territory’s Congress and the next collegial government, and it comes after the 2024 unrest that killed 14 people and derailed the ballot. Pro-France Lead in the South: Preliminary results point to the pro-France “Strong and United” coalition (Les Loyalistes and Le Rassemblement) winning about 50.4% in the Southern Province, including Nouméa, likely securing 28 of 40 seats there and 24 of 54 in Congress—while pro-independence forces lead in the North and the Loyalty Islands. Security and Voting Conditions: Heavy security was deployed nationwide, with around 2,500 police and gendarmes monitoring polling sites, and officials reported no major incidents as voters queued and cast ballots peacefully. UN Decolonisation Pressure: Pacific church leaders urged the UN to treat the elections as part of a genuine decolonisation pathway, warning they must not be used to normalise an unresolved colonial situation.

Provincial Elections: New Caledonia’s first provincial elections since 2019 are underway, with polling stations opening Sunday and closing at 6pm as officials tally votes; the vote was delayed from 2024 after deadly unrest, and it will shape the balance of power ahead of renewed talks with France on the territory’s status. Security & Turnout: Heavy security is in place, with about 2,500 police and gendarmes deployed and alcohol sales banned around the vote; turnout was reported at 54.42% an hour before polls closed, with 192,500 registered voters electing 76 councillors across South, North and the Loyalty Islands. Governance Stakes: The 54 elected councillors will sit in Congress, which then chooses up to 11 members of the collegial government—meaning Sunday’s results could quickly influence who leads negotiations. UN Decolonisation Pressure: Pacific church leaders urged the UN to treat the elections as part of a genuine decolonisation pathway, warning the poll must not be used to “normalise” an unresolved colonial situation. Local Disruptions: Transport and daily life remain affected by ongoing aviation tensions, including continued protests tied to Air Calédonie’s hub relocation plans.

Elections Watch: New Caledonia’s crucial provincial elections are under way with heavy security around polling stations, including about 2,500 police and gendarmes, drones and armoured vehicles, as alcohol sales are banned until after voting. Political Stakes: Campaigning has just closed ahead of Sunday’s vote that will shape the balance of power in the South, North and Loyalty Islands and feed into Congress and the future collegial government. UN Decolonisation Pressure: Pacific church leaders urged the UN to treat the elections as part of a credible decolonisation pathway, warning they must not be used to normalise an unresolved colonial situation. Local Governance Focus: The Northern Province vote puts long-time leader Paul Neaoutyine’s long run under challenge, with the province’s economy and nickel-linked communities in the spotlight. Transport Disruption: Protests tied to Air Calédonie’s planned hub move are set to continue in the Loyalty Islands beyond the June 28 poll, keeping flight disruptions in play. Regional Sport: Drehu Athletico Club of New Caledonia is set to face Auckland United in the OFC Women’s Champions League in Honiara as the tournament kicks off.

UN decolonisation pressure: Pacific church leaders urged the UN to treat New Caledonia’s elections as part of a real decolonisation pathway, warning the polls must not “normalise” an unresolved colonial situation after unrest that killed at least 13 people in 2024. Election countdown: Campaigning closes Friday midnight ahead of Sunday’s provincial elections, which will shape the territorial Congress and the next “collegial” government—while parties push starkly different visions on independence and France. Northern Province focus: In the Northern Province, veteran Palika leader Paul Neaoutyine’s long run faces fresh challenge as local politics are shaken by personal tragedy and internal disputes. Air travel disruption: In the Loyalty Islands, opposition groups say protests against Air Calédonie’s hub relocation will continue past the June 28 vote, keeping flights constrained and extending disruption into mid-July. Regional context: Vanuatu and France continue talks over the disputed Matthew and Hunter Islands, with the sovereignty fight tied to broader decolonisation debates across the Pacific.

Provincial Elections Countdown: New Caledonia’s first provincial vote since 2019 is on Sunday 28 June, with campaigning ending Friday midnight. Voters will choose 76 provincial councillors (South 40, North 22, Loyalty 14), who then shape the Congress and the collegial government. The race is dominated by the independence question, but this year’s debate is also driven by the territory’s worsening economic and social strain. Alcohol Ban Ahead of Poll: The French High Commission has banned alcohol sales and consumption in New Caledonia until next Sunday at midnight, citing unrest risk and targeting “sensitive” periods after the May 2024 violence. Air Travel Disruption Watch: Air Oceania has resumed daily flights between Nouméa Magenta and Lifou after a fuel shortage, with plans to add Maré. Meanwhile, protests over Air Calédonie’s hub relocation to Nouméa La Tontouta are set to continue past the 28 June election, keeping disruptions likely into mid-July. OFC Women’s Champions League (Honiara): Drehu Athletico Club (New Caledonia) opens against Auckland United in Honiara as the 2026 OFC Women’s Champions League kicks off, with the winner earning a spot in the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.

Election Countdown: New Caledonia’s campaigning ends Friday midnight ahead of Sunday’s provincial elections, the first since 2019, with 192,000 voters choosing 76 provincial councillors (South, North and the Loyalty Islands) that will then shape Congress and the next collegial government. Alcohol Ban: The French High Commission has banned alcohol sales and consumption until June 28 to reduce the risk of unrest, citing a tense economic and social climate and attacks on police and gendarmes. Political Stakes & Self-Determination: Legal and political tensions around Kanaky’s decolonisation and self-determination remain central, with advocates arguing France still has an international obligation to complete the process. Air Transport Disruption: Protests against Air Calédonie’s hub transfer are set to continue past the June 28 vote, keeping flights to Ouvéa and Maré disrupted, while Air Oceania has resumed limited services after a fuel shortage. Sport (Local Angle): Drehu Athletico Club will open the OFC Women’s Champions League in Honiara against Auckland United, and Tonga’s men and women have qualified for the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup after a double title run in New Caledonia.

Alcohol ban ahead of elections: The French High Commission has banned all alcohol sales and consumption in New Caledonia until June 28 (election day), citing risks of public unrest and “delinquency” in Nouméa, with police and gendarmes reportedly targeted by stone-throwing. Air Calédonie protests: Opposition groups in the Loyalty Islands say they will keep protesting the airline’s move from Nouméa Magenta to La Tontouta beyond the June 28 provincial elections, likely extending flight disruptions into mid-July. Northern Province political shake-up: As voters head to provincial polls on Sunday, long-time Northern Province leader Paul Neaoutyine faces a challenge after the death of his wife and ongoing political disputes. Southern Province election math: With 11 lists chasing seats under a 5% threshold, analysts say smaller groups may struggle to win representation in the Southern Province, shaping wider negotiations on New Caledonia’s future political statute. Local business and tourism push: New Caledonia Tourism and Aircalin appoint Viviana Hales as Australia sales executive, aiming to strengthen ties with wholesalers and tour operators. Regional sport spotlight: Drehu Athletico Club (New Caledonia) is set to face Auckland United in the OFC Women’s Champions League in Honiara as the tournament field is completed.

Alcohol Ban Ahead of Elections: The French High Commission has banned the sale and consumption of alcohol across New Caledonia until June 28, election day, citing fears of public unrest and noting police and gendarmes have been targeted by stone-throwing. Air Calédonie Protests: In the Loyalty Islands, opposition groups say they will keep protesting Air Calédonie’s move from Nouméa Magenta to Nouméa La Tontouta beyond the June 28 provincial vote, with disruptions likely lasting into mid-July. Northern Province Leadership Under Pressure: As provincial elections approach, veteran Palika leader Paul Neaoutyine’s long run as Northern Province president faces a challenge, with local politics shaped by coalition tensions and personal tragedy. Tourism Push: New Caledonia Tourism and Aircalin have appointed Viviana Hales as Australia sales executive, aiming to strengthen trade and tour-operator links. Regional Sports: The OFC Women’s Champions League kicks off in Honiara with New Caledonia’s Drehu Athletico Club set to face Auckland United in the opening match.

Sovereignty Dispute: Negotiations have begun over the future of Matthew and Hunter islands, 300km east of New Caledonia, where Vanuatu says cultural ties and France’s 1975 sovereignty plaques underpin a long-running fight. Election Measures: Ahead of New Caledonia’s 28 June provincial vote, the French High Commission has banned all alcohol sales and consumption until 28 June, citing unrest risks and attacks on police and gendarmes. Voting Logistics: France is also defending changes to polling arrangements, saying centralising voting centres boosted turnout and that nine centres will operate in Nouméa for the election. Campaign Focus: A local report from Magenta shows Kanaky pour Tous campaigning heavily for young voters, with residents raising practical concerns like housing, jobs, and the planned airport relocation. Tourism & Air Links: New Caledonia Tourism and Aircalin appointed Viviana Hales as Australia sales executive, aiming to strengthen trade and tour-operator links. Sports (Regional): New Caledonia’s basketball team faced Papua New Guinea in the FIBA Melanesian Cup, while Tonga’s 3x3 teams won titles and qualified for the U23 World Cup.

Alcohol Ban Ahead of Vote: The French High Commission in New Caledonia has banned the sale and consumption of alcohol until 28 June, election day, citing risks of public unrest and noting police and gendarmes have been targeted by stone-throwing. Election Logistics Under Scrutiny: France is defending changes to provincial voting arrangements, saying fewer polling centres have boosted turnout; for 28 June, Nouméa will use nine centres (up from eight), after Nouméa’s centres were cut from 37 to eight in 2024. Campaigning on the Ground: With provincial elections looming, independence activists are stepping up outreach in Nouméa, focusing on young voters and practical local concerns like housing, jobs, and transport. UN Decolonisation Push: The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation heard renewed calls for action on Kanaky New Caledonia and other remaining territories, approving draft resolutions to strengthen UN support for self-determination. Tourism & Air Links: New Caledonia Tourism and Aircalin appointed Viviana Hales as Australia sales executive, tasked with building relationships with wholesalers and tour operators.

Provincial Election Tensions: France’s High Commission has defended changes to voting arrangements for New Caledonia’s 28 June provincial elections, saying fewer polling centres have boosted turnout and that Nouméa will run nine centres (up from eight) to cut travel times. Alcohol Ban Ahead of Vote: The High Commission has also banned alcohol sales until 28 June midnight, citing unrest prevention, delinquency concerns and attacks on police and gendarmes. Campaigning on the Ground: With provincial elections looming, independence supporters are canvassing in Nouméa’s Magenta, focusing on young voters and practical issues like health services, transport, housing and jobs. Transport on Election Day: The greater Nouméa bus network will keep running on election day, after earlier Sunday service cuts and polling-station mergers sparked complaints. UN Decolonisation Push: The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation heard renewed calls for action on Kanaky New Caledonia, with petitioners urging a stronger UN role in self-determination. Regional Spotlight: A US-hosted Pacific leaders summit was described as “collaborative” and listening-focused, with new infrastructure and climate funding promised.

Provincial Election Measures in New Caledonia: France’s High Commission has defended election-era changes, including an alcohol sales ban in the run-up to the 28 June provincial vote and a shift to fewer, more centralised polling locations in Nouméa—while saying turnout rose when centres were consolidated. Campaigning on the ground: As provincial elections loom, independence supporters are canvassing young voters in Nouméa, with residents raising practical concerns like housing, health and transport, plus worries about whether services and infrastructure will improve after the vote. Election logistics: Greater Nouméa’s bus network will run on election day, after complaints that Sunday services had been cut and that merged polling sites could disadvantage voters without easy transport. UN decolonisation pressure: The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation heard renewed calls for action on New Caledonia and other territories, with Kanaky petitioners urging the UN to take a stronger role in advancing self-determination. Regional climate warning: SPREP urged Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño impacts after the event was declared underway.

Election Crackdown: France’s High Commission has banned all alcohol sales and consumption in New Caledonia from Monday until 28 June, citing unrest prevention amid a tense economic and social climate and past violence. Local Voting Logistics: France is defending provincial election changes in Nouméa, including consolidating polling into fewer voting centres—while saying turnout rose when centres were reduced—and adding one extra centre in the north to cut travel times. Campaign on the Ground: With provincial elections on 28 June, independence activists are pushing hard for young voters, focusing on everyday issues like health, transport, housing and jobs. Transport on Polling Day: The Greater Nouméa bus network will run on election day, after criticism that Sunday services were cut and polling locations were merged. UN Decolonisation Push: The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation heard renewed calls for action on Kanaky New Caledonia and other territories, with petitioners urging faster progress on self-determination. Regional Climate Watch: SPREP urged Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño impacts after it was declared underway.

Provincial Election Prep in Nouméa: France is defending changes to voting arrangements for New Caledonia’s 28 June provincial elections, saying fewer polling centres have boosted turnout; the High Commission says nine centres will run in Nouméa (up from eight), with an extra site added in the north to cut travel times. Campaigning and Access to Vote: With campaigning in full swing, residents in working-class northern suburbs warn that Sunday voting and reduced polling locations could block elderly voters without transport. UN Decolonisation Pressure: The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation heard renewed calls for action on Kanaky New Caledonia and other territories, approving resolutions aimed at strengthening UN support for self-determination. Regional Diplomacy: A White House summit with Pacific leaders was described by US officials as “collaborative” and focused on listening, with new infrastructure and climate funding; leaders including New Caledonia’s were in attendance. Climate Risk Alert: SPREP urged Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño after it was declared underway.