7 Sep 2017

New Caledonia referendum question challenged

7:39 pm on 7 September 2017

An anti-independence politician in New Caledonia says the French constitution should be amended to rephrase the likely referendum question.

Sonia Backes

Sonia Backes Photo: Facebook

Sonia Backes said under the 1998 Noumea Accord voters would be asked next year whether they wanted New Caledonia to accede to full sovereignty.

However Ms Backes, who is a member of the Caledonian Republicans, told the public broadcaster this should not be the choice and another question should be asked.

"We don't want to be asked whether we want a state or not. We don't want a state.

"We don't want that New Caledonia is a state, we want New Caledonia to stay in the republic.

"We don't want to be given a choice between the plague and cholera."

Sonia Backes said the proposed referendum vote should be held on October 7 next year.