Voters in New Caledonia turned out in large numbers on Sunday to decide whether the archipelago in the South Pacific should get independence from France and break ties that were first established in the mid-19th century.
Sunday’s independence referendum is part of a three-decade decolonization effort aimed at settling tensions on the archipelago between native Kanaks seeking independence and residents willing to remain in France.
More than 180,000 voters were invited to answer the question: “Do you want New Caledonia to gain full sovereignty and become independent?”
“Today is not a day like any other. Everyone woke up with the will to express oneself (through the vote). This is a historic day,” Robert Wayaridri, 60, told The Associated Press.
In Noumea, the capital, large lines of people waited to vote under the hot sun, sometimes for hours. Almost 80% of voters had already casted their ballots one hour before poll stations closed, according to the French ministry of the Overseas.
Across the archipelago, horns and cheers could be heard all day in the streets, and some people waved pro-independence flags in a relaxed atmosphere.
The FLNKS movement leading the independence campaign called on its supporters to stay “calm and respectful.” Polling stations closed at 6 pm (9 am in mainland France). Results are expected later Sunday.
If voters choose independence, a transition period will immediately begin so that the archipelago can get ready for its future status.