Can New Caledonia’s first female congress president bridge the divide amid civil unrest?
New Caledonia has made history with the surprise election of its first female congress president – a change that comes amid ongoing civil unrest in the French Pacific territory. Veylma Falaeo, a moderate candidate from the Ocean Awakening party, is set to bring a new perspective to a congress that’s been led by pro-independence leaders for the past five years.
Falaeo’s election marks a departure from the leadership of Roch Wamytan, of the pro-independence FLNKS party, who was a prominent critic of France’s management of New Caledonia.
The first Kanak congress president, Wamytan lost his position by a narrow margin of 26 to 28 votes.
New Caledonia's congress was established in 1999 to govern health, tax, roads, welfare and schools. It has 54 councillors who are elected every five years. A vote is held every year to elect the congress' president.
'Democracy Maker'
Falaeo’s rise comes at a critical time for New Caledonia, which has been grappling with political instability and social unrest.
It's seen numerous protests and clashes related to reforms proposed by Paris, which many Kanaks fear could undermine their political influence and independence aspirations.
Falaeo's party was founded in 2019 to advocate for the Wallisian and Futunian community, which faces under-representation and marginalisation in New Caledonia.
That year Ocean Awakening garnered over 8 percent of the vote in the Southern Province, securing four seats in the Provincial Assembly and three in congress.
Read more on RFI English
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