NICE (AP) – Days after France lifted emergency measures in New Caledonia to quell the worst unrest in decades in its Pacific territory, it is hurrying to ensure that residents of the troubled archipelago can vote in the upcoming European elections.
But many, especially among the Indigenous Kanaks who have long sought independence, don’t care.
European elections have traditionally seen low attendance in New Caledonia, whose votes weigh little against 48 million voters in mainland France and other overseas territories.
European funds rarely reach the territory. Only 20 per cent of voters participated in the 2019 elections.
Now, as barricades of charred vehicles remain in New Caledonia’s capital even after French President Emmanuel Macron visited in an attempt to calm tensions, the election turnout is expected to be even lower.
“I don’t even know what it’s about,” a woman waiting for bread told broadcaster France Info. “I’m not going to vote because we’re not in the mood for that.”
Most of New Caledonia’s 270,000 residents are eligible to participate in the European elections, the second-biggest exercise in democracy behind India’s recent elections.
Starting Saturday, almost 400 million voters will elect 720 members of the European Parliament, influencing everything from global climate and security policies to migration issues.
But that feels far away for many in New Caledonia, long the setting for tensions between those seeking independence and those loyal to France.
The recent deadly unrest included seven dead, protests, clashes, looting and arson. It prompted Macron to impose a state of emergency on May 15 and rush in 3,500 French troops.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said the government is doing “everything necessary to ensure that the elections will take place” in the Pacific archipelago. Although violence has subsided, pro-independence leaders have called on supporters to “maintain resistance” against France.
Parts of the capital, Noumea, remain no-go zones, despite the French Interior Ministry’s announcement on Friday that authorities have regained full control there. Bus services have not resumed, and neither have schools. A curfew is still in place, and the main international airport has been closed for three weeks.
