The French prime minister Edouard Philippe has called for clear and indisputable rules for next year's independence referendum in New Caledonia.
Edouard Philippe Photo: AFP
Mr Philippe made the comment in the French National Assembly as preparations are being finalised for Thursday's meeting of the signatories to the Noumea Accord.
He said the referendum had to be sincere, transparent and monitored to ensure nobody could, afterwards, call into question the organisation of the plebiscite.
Mr Philippe said a clear electoral roll had to be finalised.
He also said he hoped New Caledonia's politicians would find common ground in trying to word the exact referendum question.
He said the delegates to this week's meeting, which he will chair, will have to consider what will happen after the vote on a social, economic and political level.