Pro-independence parties align for New Caledonia poll

New Caledonia's pro-independence Palika has confirmed that it will be part of a joint electoral list in the southern province.

The FLNKS umbrella group had decided to run one list in the anti-independence stronghold around Noumea in next month's provincial elections.

The FLNKS flag widely used in New Caledonia Photo: RNZ Walter Zweifel

The list in the southern province will be led by the Caledonian Union's Roch Wamytan.

The Palika leader Paul Neaoutyine, who is the veteran president of the northern president, will be the party's top candidate in the north where the FLNKS will have two lists of candidates.

The pro-independence side is expected to dominate outside the southern province and hopes to make enough gains this year to secure a majority in the territory's Congress for the first time.

The 54-member Congress will be made up of representatives of the three provincial assemblies which will all be elected for a five-year term.

Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Walter Zweifel