New Caledonia Holds First Election in Seven Years After 2024 Riots

New Caledonia voted June 28, 2026, under heavy security—its first election since 2019. France had delayed the vote after 2024 riots over who gets to vote killed people and halted nickel exports. The core dispute remains: France wants to keep voting rules favoring the Indigenous Kanak population, while independence groups say any change weakens their position in future negotiations.