Most New Caledonians are worried about the future, and the looming third independence referendum is a focus for much of that trepidation, a large survey shows.
FLNKS wants referendum delayed because of Covid-19 Photo: supplied FB
The French-sponsored survey canvassed the views of more than 2,000 people over three months this year.
It showed the most common concern was the issue of the country's potential independence from France, followed by health, the economic situation and education.
Last month pro-independence supporters asked for France to organise a third referendum on independence from the colonial power, to be held by October 2022. Referendums already held in 2018 and 2020 returned a majority vote to keep the current status.
The new survey found that those in favour of independence expect a gesture of forgiveness for the territory's colonisation.
58 percent would like a gesture of official character in the presence of the French president, directed at both the indigenous Kanak people and those labelled as victims of history, such as the people exiled in the 19th century.
Irrespective of voting intentions, keeping links with France is either indispensable or important for 94 percent.
The survey also found that in the case of independence, 60 percent would like to have dual nationality. Another 23 percent would like to stay French and 14 percent would choose to be only New Caledonian by nationality.
The survey was timed to be ready before talks in Paris later this month when the French government is hosting New Caledonia's leaders for wide-ranging talks about the post-referendum.
A date for the next referendum is yet to be announced by Paris .