Macron suspends controversial electoral reform in New Caledonia

PARIS – French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday the suspension of controversial electoral reform in New Caledonia after a series of deadly riots in the French Pacific territory.

The reforms, which would have changed the electoral law, are feared by the indigenous Kanak people, who say they would further marginalise them. 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 alter 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 – erected barricades, either to rebel against the authorities or to protect their homes and properties. 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 on New Caledonia,” Macron said. “We cannot allow any ambiguity at this time. It 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 of a 34-year-old man on June 11. He was injured in a confrontation with police on May 29. An autopsy has been ordered and investigations are underway into the use of violence by the gendarme involved.

Louis Mapou, President of the Government 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 night-time curfew across the entire archipelago until June 17.