N.Caledonia, pro-independence MP vows to address Kanak issues in Paris
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Tjibaou's appointment to the National Assembly has offered the Kanak population a sense of pride and hope amid New Caledonia's unrest.
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Emmanuel Tjibaou becomes the second independence MP in New Caledonian history after 40 years, undated. (AFP)
Indigenous Kanak's frustrations will be taken to the French parliament, New Caledonia's first pro-independent MP Emmanuel Tjibaou pledged, stressing that young people have been “left by the wayside” in the Pacific archipelago.
“For 30 years, we’ve wanted to develop the country, but too many young people have been left by the wayside, and public policy in [the capital] Nouméa … has been inadequate,” Tjibaou said in an interview for The Guardian.
The newly appointed MP is expected to attend a meeting with the National Assembly next week, where he aims to address the ongoing Kanak frustrations and discrimination.
“Sitting in a small group makes it easier to carry the voice of the little people. We need to have the political courage to take responsibility,” he said.
Tjibaou emerged victoriously as one of two MPs representing New Caledonia in the National Assembly on July 7. The MP shared that his campaign aimed to develop a framework enabling discussions and allowing marginalized voices to express their disapproval and dissatisfaction with the country's situation through the ballot box.
New Caledonia has experienced violent protests since May following President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to pass an electoral reform bill for the island, essentially limiting and diluting Kanak's influence. The violence led to several deaths and caused widespread damage to businesses, shops, and homes.
Although Macron has suspended the implementation of the bill, the island's tensions continue to rise. Tjibaou's appointment to the National Assembly has offered the Kanak population a sense of pride and hope amid the territory's unrest.
“We, the young people of Kanak, who are treated as terrorists and anti-democrats, these two Sundays have served to show that, despite the excesses, we are aware and we have played the game of democracy,” young activist Abraham Neyoukoeo said, hoping this election will be a turning point for the Kanak.
Tjibaou's historic victory
Emmanuel Tjibaou is the son of Jean-Marie Tjibaou, leader of the Kanak independence movement who was assassinated in 1989.
New Caledonia elected Tjibaou to France's National Assembly, public broadcaster Franceinfo reported on July 7, becoming the first pro-independent Indigenous Kanak to secure a seat in parliament since Rock Pidjot in 1986.
“I’m following in the footsteps of what Rock Pidjot stood up for, to take up the commitments our elders made,” Tjibaou said.
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 stated that the "exceptional turnout" demonstrated that the people of New Caledonia had sent a message to all parties, including the pro-independence FLNKS coalition, loyalist groups, and the French state, to "shoulder our responsibilities as signatories to political agreements."
“It’s not the result I was hoping for," said Cindy Dellivers, a mixed Kanak who believes New Caledonia should remain part of France. "But I recognise that he’s someone who looks good, and I hope he’ll be able to stop the violence."
