Pacific Geographies

By (author) (A01)	Matthias Kowasch
Affiliation	University College of Teacher Education Styria, Hasnerplatz 12, 8010 Graz, Austria, Full Professor
By (author) (A01)	Simon P.J. Batterbury
By (author) (A01)	Séverine Bouard
By (author) (A01)	Eddie Wayuone Wadrawane

Number of Pages	5
First Page	11
Last Page	15
Language of text	English (eng)
Publication Date (YYYY)	2022
Abstract Main description (01)	The third and final referendum in the French overseas territory New Caledonia on December 12, 2021, was wasted. Although the vote was legal and the result was clear (96.5% voting against independence), we argue – along with various international observers – that the schedule did not respect Kanak cultural traditions and the vote should be considered as undemocratic. As engaged scholars with different scientific backgrounds (geography, agronomy, education) and of different origins (German, British-Australian, French-Caledonian and indigenous Kanak), we critically examine the circumstances of the third referendum and analyse the reasons for the non-participation of the majority of independence supporters. We offer a number of observations on future prospects for the interrupted decolonization process and recommend the consideration of new forms of partnerships between France and New Caledonia.