Macron suspends electoral reform in New Caledonia that led to violence

PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron announced Wednesday the suspension of controversial electoral reform in New Caledonia after a wave of deadly unrest in the French Pacific region.

The reforms, which would have changed the electoral law, are feared by the indigenous Kanak people, who say they would further restrict voting rights. The issue has sparked the worst violence in the archipelago in decades.

Violence flared on May 13 in response to attempts by Macron’s government to change the French constitution and electoral rolls in New Caledonia. France declared a state of emergency in its Pacific territory on May 15 and sent hundreds of reinforcements to help police quell the uprising, which was marked by shootings, clashes, looting and arson.

Both sides of New Caledonia’s bitter division – the indigenous Kanaks who want independence and the French – have erected barricades, either to rebel against the authorities or to protect their homes and property. Pro-independence supporters built barricades out of charred vehicles and other debris and made parts of the capital, Noumea, off-limits.

“I have decided to suspend the draft constitution for New Caledonia,” Macron said. “We cannot allow any ambiguity at this time. The draft must be suspended in order to give full force to the dialogue on the ground and the return to order.”

The French Justice Ministry confirmed on Wednesday the death on June 11 of a 34-year-old man who was injured in a confrontation with police on May 29. An autopsy and an investigation into the use of violence by the gendarmerie have been ordered. The investigation is ongoing.

Louis Mapou, Prime Minister of New Caledonia, expressed his condolences and called for calm. “I call for the immediate removal of the barricades and a return to peace,” said Mapou.

The French government has extended the curfew for the entire archipelago until June 17.