New Caledonia has elected Emmanuel Tjibaou to France's National Assembly, public broadcaster Franceinfo reported, becoming the first pro-independent Indigenous Kanak to secure a seat in parliament since 1986.

The newly elected MP said that, with his victory, he felt a sense of responsibility amid the country's current violent situation, Radio New Zealand reported.

The National Assembly is composed of 577 seats, two of which are allotted for New Caledonia.

Tjibaou secured the first constituency by obtaining 57.33% of the votes, winning against his right-wing counterpart, Alcide Ponga, resulting in a historic setback for pro-France loyalists. However, right-wing French loyalist Nicolas Metzdorf secured New Caledonia's second constituency.

There were over 222,000 voters registered, with a 71.2% turnout in the second round of elections, a significant increase compared to the 60.02% turnout in the first round.

Tjibaou is the son of Jean-Marie Tjibaou, leader of the Kanak independence movement who was assassinated in 1989.

Tensions between the French government and New Caledonia have been ongoing for decades, sparking violence and riots on the island following President Emmanuel Macron's approval of a constitutional amendment that enables recent arrivals to the territory to partake in provincial elections, essentially reducing Kanak influence.

Unrest in New Caledonia

New Caledonia has been a French territory since the mid-1800s. Almost two centuries on, its politics remain dominated by debate about whether the islands should be part of France, autonomous or independent.

Indigenous Kanaks make up about 39% of the population, but tend to be poorer and have fewer years of schooling than European Caledonians.

It is worth noting that the territory contains roughly 10% of the world's total nickel reserve and is rich in resources. 

Since May, riots erupted in New Caledonia in response to the electoral reform. The Indigenous Kanaks of the archipelago feared that the move would dilute their vote, undermining their hopes of ultimately achieving independence. The violence led to nine deaths, including two police officers, and caused widespread damage to businesses, shops, and homes.

Daniel Goa, president of the Union Calédonienne, the main independence party, said the transfer of the arrested activists to France was “political deportation”.

“The independence of the judiciary is a farce in New Caledonia,” said Goa.

Goa also criticized “France’s colonial, repressive, and retrograde policy against the Kanak people.”

Following a frantic campaign period for snap parliamentary elections in France, President Emmanuel Macron halted the modifications to voting rights in New Caledonia.