France's highest court has clarified some provisions for New Caledonia after the November referendum on independence from France.
Kanak and French flags on Ouvea island. Photo: AFP
It ruled that after the referendum, the provincial elections will be held in May in keeping with the 20-year timeline defined in the 1998 Noumea Accord.
The Accord provides for four five-year segments, with its application beginning in May 1999 and ending in 2019.
The court also ruled that the roll restricted to long-term residents, which is also defined in the Noumea Accord, would continue to be used.
La Depeche de Nouvelle Caledonie reports the French prime minister Edouard Philippe sought clarification after the issues were raised by the president of New Caledonia's northern province.