New Caledonia votes to stay with France in boycott-tainted poll

Low turnout sees 95% say 'no' to independence

20211212 NC

A person votes in a referendum in Noumea, New Caledonia, on Sunday to decide whether to break away from France. © AP

MICHAEL FIELD, Contributing writer

AUCKLAND -- France's nickel-rich Pacific territory of New Caledonia voted Sunday against independence, but the result was indecisive due to a boycott by indigenous people who say the COVID pandemic stopped a fair vote.

The territory, in its third and final ballot on the issue, saw 95% vote against independence, with 75% of the vote counted, according to the French High Commission.

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