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