New Caledonia's economics and mining minister, Didier Leroux, has confirmed that he will stand as a candidate in June election of a new French assembly.
Mr Leroux made the announcement after last month's decision by his Future Together Party to nominate his party colleagues, Philippe Gomes and Harold Martin, for the two seats.
In his constituency, Mr Leroux will stand against at least four other anti-independence politicians, including the incumbent Jacques Lafleur who has held the seat for nearly 30 years.
