Voters elected Gérard Naturel and Robert Xowie to represent New Caledonia in the Senate. A historic decision at a crucial moment for the institutional future of the territory. This is the first time that a separatist has sat in the Luxembourg Palace. The election of Georges Naturel sounds like a setback for the loyalist political class.
Editorial staff of NC la 1ère • Published on September 24, 2023 at 8:56 a.m., updated on September 24, 2023 at 6:59 p.m.
[18h35] The results of the second round are in and there is a new surprise: it is Robert Xowie, mayor of Lifou, from the Caledonian Union, who is elected with 307 votes. This is the first time an independent has entered the Senate. Armand Olhen, also a member of the Caledonian Union, was elected in 1955, but the party did not claim independence at the time.
Sonia Backès didn’t manage to refuel. Despite the withdrawal of the two outgoing senators Pierre Forgier and Gérard Poadja, she received 246 votes. The number of loyalist voters was estimated at 330.
[16h05] The voters vote for the second round. There are three candidates still in the race: Sonia Backès, Robert Xowie and Macate Wenehoua.
Adults line up to vote in the second round of Senate elections. • ©Valentin Deleforterie / NC la 1ère
[16 heures] The reaction of Georges Naturel, collected by Maurice Violton: “It is a big and beautiful surprise. I didn’t expect there would be such a high score, but it shows that voters wanted to send a message because they figured out that there is a way to do it.” Politics in New Caledonia that might not be that is what we expect. In any case, I advocate a change in the way politics is done and I will ensure that all Caledonians participate in the debate about our society, about the institutional future and the restart of economic development and, in particular, social programs. This is a satisfaction, but also a burden that I have to bear. I have to earn this result and fight to achieve these goals.”
[13h20] The results of the first round of Senate elections are in: the mayor of Dumbéa, Georges Naturel, is elected. A second round is necessary to decide between the other candidates and to elect the second Senator of New Caledonia. It takes place from 3:30 p.m. If you want to stay, you have To by 3 p.m., says the Haussariat.
Georges Naturel received 351 votes. Robert Xowie, 259. Sonia Backès, 225. Pierre Frogier, outgoing senator, 180. Gérard Poadja, also outgoing, 48. Macate Wenehoua, 6. And Manuel Millar, 2.
561 voters spoke. To be elected in the first round, 281 votes (the absolute majority) were therefore required.
Voting began this Sunday at 8:30 a.m. at the High Commissioner’s residence in Nouméa. There were many people on both the independence and non-independence sides. There were smiles on their faces, but the tension was palpable.
Voting takes place using indirect universal suffrage. 578 voters have to decide between the seven candidates running in the Caillou.
Among the voters, Lucien Douyère, elected from Kaala-Gomen, is taking part in this election for the first time. He admits “a little fear to present ourselves there, but it is a great opportunity for us” given the impending institutional reforms.
New Caledonia senatorial elections: Everything you need to know ahead of the September 24 elections
Ashley Kabar, councilor of Païta, emphasizes that “the new senators will be very important for the future of New Caledonia. I am very proud to be able to vote in these elections, not everyone has the opportunity.”
Large voters in the House are lining up for Senate elections. • ©Valentin Deleforterie / NC la 1ère
Georges Naturel, mayor of Dumbéa, was the first candidate to submit his ballot in the House sariat a few minutes after voting began.
Unusual: The candidates Pierre Frogier and Sonia Backès share the same ballot paper. This is unusual but legal. The voter can delete a name and the ballot paper is valid.
Senate elections 2023 in Noumea. • ©Valentin Deleforterie / NC la 1ère
Senators are elected for six years. However, the composition of the Senate is renewed by half every three years. 170 of the 348 seats are to be filled this Sunday, September 24th.
Follow the vote throughout the day.