A “yes” vote would see the South Pacific archipelago of New Caledonia sever its links with France after almost 170 years in what would be a significant setback for the French President at a time when he is already under pressure as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The loss of its most important Pacific territory would dent the pride of a former colonial power whose territories once included large areas of the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the Pacific.
The referendum also coincides with China expanding its influence at the expense of Western nations, with Barbados last month confirming it was considering removing the Queen as its head of state.
As of late on Sunday, the estimated turnout was 79.63 percent, according to the Office of the High Commissioner of the Republic in New Caledonia.
More than 180,000 long-term residents of New Caledonia are registered to vote yes or no on the question: “Do you want New Caledonia to gain its full sovereignty and become independent?”
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New Caledonia has been wrestling with the question of decolonisation for many years.
In 2018, it voted against separating from France by 56.4 percent to 43.6 percent.
Support for independence was higher than anticipated, meaning Paris is monitoring the situation closely this time around.
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France granted full citizenship to all residents of New Caledonia in 1953, meaning they are able to vote in the French Presidential election and European Parliamentary elections.
Speaking in the French Parliament last week, French Prime Minister Jean Castex pledged to convene a meeting with New Caledonia’s political leaders after the result is known.
Mr Castex insisted France was impartial in relation to the referendum process.
Mr Macron would speak after the results from Sunday’s referendum were in, he added.
Predecessor as Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, visited New Caledonia the day after the 2018 referendum.
Speaking last week, Thierry Santa, president of New Caledonia and a leading member of The Loyalists coalition which backs sticking with France, said he was pushing to get the vote out.
He told the Guardian: “Amongst the 33,000 people who didn’t vote last time, the vast majority live in greater Noumea.
“I think a proportion of these people, who thought the result would be 70-30, didn’t bother to vote.
“But I think that the result in 2018 really disappointed them, and that will mobilise them to get out and vote the next time.”