Macron Halts New Caledonia Voting Reform After Riots

Emmanuel Macron, President of France, has suspended a proposed voting reform in New Caledonia following violent riots that resulted in six deaths.

Macron urged local leaders to engage in dialogue to reach a consensus on the archipelago's political future.

New Caledonia, located in the Pacific Ocean, restricts voting to indigenous Kanaks and long-term residents.

The proposed reform would allow more French residents to vote, causing concerns among Kanaks about their political influence.

Macron emphasized that the recent independence referendum results, favoring remaining part of France, remain valid.

New Caledonia has held four plebiscites on independence, with varying degrees of participation and outcomes.

The unrest, sparked by the reform, has inflicted extensive damage and led to a temporary closure of Nouméa's airport.

Macron deployed a 3,000-strong French force to the territory and assured that further dialogue would take place before progressing with any reforms.