French Pacific territory New Caledonia rejects independence

Voters in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia have rejected a bid for independence. A tight result was witnessed as final results showed that 56.4% chose to remain part of France while 43.6% voted to leave.

The Pacific islands of New Caledonia, lying some 11,000 miles from Paris, have backed remaining part of France in an independence referendum.

Turnout was about 81%. The vote was promised in a 1988 deal that put an end to a violent campaign for independence.

French president Emmanuel Macron has spoken of his "immense pride" after one of the country's most far-flung territories voted against breaking away.

However, despite a clear majority it was a smaller-than-expected victory for pro-mainland supporters.

Polls had forecast a bigger win of between 63-75% for the "no" campaign.

New Caledonia is of strategic importance to France, giving the nation a foothold in the Pacific in the face of growing Chinese influence.

It is also the source of a quarter of the world's known supplies of nickel -- a vital electronics component.

In a TV address to the nation, Macron spoke of his "immense pride that we have taken this historic step together", arguing it was "a sign of confidence in the French republic, in its future and its values."

Although it is an archipelago of islands, New Caledonia is sometimes referred to in France as "the pebble" and is home to about 175,000 people.

However, there are concerns the referendum could fuel tensions between the indigenous Kanak people, who tend to support independence, and the white population, which has settled since France occupied the islands in 1853.

Speaking after the results were in, Alosio Sako, head of the pro-independence Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front, said: "The Kanaks have become aware that they need to show their determination to be free at last.

"We're a short step away from victory and there are still two votes to come."

In recent years, France has faced protests and calls for independence in several of its overseas territories, which are a legacy of the country's colonial past.

They include French Guiana in South America and the Mediterranean island of Corsica.