The unrest in New Caledonia has subsided. Now, the French authorities are working to ensure that the inhabitants of the overseas territory can vote in the EU election if they wish.
The state of emergency was lifted about a week ago, and the community is trying to return to a somewhat normal state. On the streets of the capital, Nouméa, there are many burned-out cars.
Most of the archipelago's approximately 270,000 inhabitants have the right to vote in the election. However, interest is limited, especially among the indigenous Kanak population. In the previous EU election, voter turnout was around 20 percent.
The recent unrest was sparked by discontent with French oversight and was triggered when the government in Paris wanted to revise the electoral rolls in New Caledonia in a way that was feared to disadvantage the indigenous population.
Protests escalated into clashes, looting, fires, and seven fatalities. The French government declared a state of emergency and sent 3,500 gendarmes to restore order. President Emmanuel Macron has also traveled to the region to calm the situation.
The French military delivered election materials on Monday. Since many government buildings have suffered significant damage and the security situation is strained, voting will take place at fewer locations.
New Caledonian separatist leaders have called for continued resistance.
