By Stefan Armbruster of SBS News

Kanaky New Caledonia is holding a final referendum on independence from France today. But not everyone wants to see the vote go ahead

The third and final independence referendum in the French Pacific territory has descended into controversy, with Indigenous Kanak leaders and Pacific Island nations calling for a delay or boycott.

France says the vote is legitimate and can go ahead today, despite a year-long mourning period for the dead from covid-19 and restrictions impacting campaigning.

• READ MORE: Betrayal of Kanaky decolonisation by Paris risks return to dark days
• Independence for Kanaky: A media and political stalemate or a ‘three strikes’ Frexit challenge? — Backgrounder
• I support Kanaky New Caledonian independence – but why I’m not voting
• Other New Caledonia referendum reports

It is the culmination of a 30-year peace process in the territory, which is 17,000km from Paris but only 1500km from Australia.

• Stefan Ambruster’s video report
• Stefan Ambuster’s text report

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" » New Caledonia’s final independence vote today – mired in controversy." APR editor | Peace [Online]. Available: https://www.pea.cx/2021/12/11/new-caledonias-final-independence-vote-today-mired-in-controversy/. [Accessed: 2026-11-09T07:21:22+00:00]

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» New Caledonia’s final independence vote today – mired in controversy | APR editor | Peace | https://www.pea.cx/2021/12/11/new-caledonias-final-independence-vote-today-mired-in-controversy/ | 2026-11-09T07:21:22+00:00