A loyalist candidate in New Caledonia is rejecting claims that rifts in the pro-France camp could see a pro-independence MP win a seat in France's lower house.
Next month, New Caledonians will elect two politicians to represent the territory in France's new general assembly amidst claims that there is widespread division within pro-France parties ahead of the vote.
The pro-independence FLNKS movement says in the territory's northern electorate, which has a majority of indigenous Kanaks, the loyalists could be beaten for the first time in years.
But a pro-France candidate, Didier Leroux, says even if the loyalist vote was split, it would have little effect in the first round.
And he says the territory would not be able to function without France's support.
"Financially it would be very difficult to cope, especially in terms of education. We've been a little spoilt, and it would be very difficult today to be self-sufficient, even with the high price of nickel."
Didier Leroux.
Both sides of politics accuse the current MPs of failing in their duty to represent the interests of New Caledonia in France.
