Curfew Extended in New Caledonia Ahead of French National Assembly Elections
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A week-long curfew has been imposed in New Caledonia, an overseas French territory in the Pacific, to ensure a peaceful conduct of the upcoming French National Assembly elections. The curfew, which began on Saturday and will run until July 8, comes amid ongoing political unrest that has gripped the territory since May.
The French High Commission in New Caledonia has announced that security forces will remain fully deployed to maintain order and facilitate the two-phase legislative elections, which will take place on Sunday. To prevent any potential unrest, authorities have also imposed a ban on carrying weapons, the sale of alcohol, and restrictions on gatherings over the weekend.
The elections will see two representatives elected to the French National Assembly from New Caledonia's two constituencies. The first constituency covers the capital Noumea and the Loyalty Islands, while the second covers rural areas on the main island. A total of 19 candidates are vying for office.
The unrest in New Caledonia began in May after an electoral reform was proposed, which would have allowed long-term French residents to participate in local elections. The proposal was met with massive protests and violence, resulting in at least nine deaths and injuries, as well as widespread arson and looting. In response, French President Emmanuel Macron suspended the reforms and promised that they would not be imposed by force.
In the aftermath of the unrest, seven independence leaders linked to a group charged with orchestrating deadly riots were sent to France for pre-trial detention. The riots are estimated to have caused around $1.6 billion in damages to private and public property.
New Caledonia has a complex relationship with France, which colonized the territory in 1853. The Kanak people, who make up about 37% of the population, continue to advocate for independence.
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