Three of the four parties making up New Caledonia's separatist FLNKS movement have agreed to contest the territorial elections in May with a united list of candidates.
A spokesman for the grouping, Victor Tutugoro, says a common position has been adopted by the Palika party, the Melanesian Progressive Union and the RDO party.
The move reflects the split within the FLNKS, with the traditionally dominant force, the Caledonian Union, being seen as taking a less conciliatory approach in implementing the 1998 Noumea accord on greater autonomy.
The rift has left the FLNKS without a president for more than two years.
The election will be held on May the 9th to choose a new provincial assemblies, a new congress and a new government.
