In a move to deescalate tensions and promote dialogue, French President Emmanuel Macron has declared that he will not push forward with a controversial voting reform in New Caledonia. This decision comes after the territory witnessed a wave of deadly riots, resulting in the loss of lives, extensive damage, and disruption of daily life.

During his visit to the main island, Macron urged local leaders to engage in constructive conversations to find an alternative agreement for the future of the archipelago. The proposed reform aimed to expand voting rights to more French residents, including those who have lived in New Caledonia for at least 10 years. Currently, voting is limited to indigenous Kanaks and individuals who arrived from France before 1998.

The planned reform caused concerns among the Kanak population, comprising approximately 40% of the territory's inhabitants. Many fear that an expansion of voting rights would dilute their political voice and undermine the potential for a future independence referendum.

President Macron emphasized that the result of the previous independence referendum, in which residents voted to remain part of France, could not be called into question. New Caledonia has held three referendums on independence, with the first two showing slim majorities in favor of remaining part of France. The third referendum was boycotted by pro-independence parties due to authorities' refusal to postpone the vote amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

In his meetings with pro- and anti-independence leaders, Macron discussed the possibility of finding a new agreement that could be voted upon in a subsequent referendum. Under the 1998 Nouméa Accord, France agreed to grant New Caledonia more political autonomy and restrict voting in provincial and assembly elections to residents at that time.

The recent unrest in New Caledonia has resulted in the loss of six lives, including two police officers, and left hundreds injured, in addition to causing significant financial damage. French prosecutors stated that none of the fatalities were caused by French security forces.

President Macron referred to the violence as an "unprecedented insurrection movement" that caught everyone by surprise. To ensure safety and restore calm, a 3,000-strong force deployed from France will remain in the territory, including during the upcoming Paris Summer Olympics if deemed necessary.

Furthermore, a state of emergency will be lifted once all the protesters' barricades have been dismantled. Currently, the capital's airport, Nouméa, remains closed to commercial flights. Recent military flights facilitated the evacuation of approximately 300 Australian and 50 New Zealand holidaymakers who reported witnessing arson, looting, and grappling with food shortages.

Macron's decision to halt the voting reform aims to provide an opportunity for tensions to ease and meaningful discussions to take place. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining if a broad accord can be reached among all parties involved in New Caledonia's political landscape. Macron has expressed intentions to review the situation in a month, underscoring the urgency and importance of finding a peaceful resolution.

As New Caledonia navigates this challenging period, the world watches with anticipation, hoping for a peaceful future that respects the aspirations and rights of all its residents.