The French High Commission in New Caledonia has approved all 56 names on the four lists vying for government which the Congress will elect tomorrow.
Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Walter Zweifel
Last week, the Congress decided to cap the executive at 11 members who will be chosen from the four lists in proportion to their strength in Congress.
This means the two traditional anti-independence lists are expected to retain six of the 11 positions.
However a rift between them may prevent a majority emerging to elect a president.
The Future with Confidence party's list is led by Thierry Santa, a former Congress president.
Caledonia Together's list is topped by Philippe Germain who two months ago announced his retirement from politics after being president for the past four years.
The other two lists represent pro-independence parties.
If the government chosen on Thursday fails to elect a president, Mr Germain will retain the presidency in a caretaker position until the deadlock is broken.