There has been a mixed response in Wallis and Futuna to last week's election of a pro-independence politician as Congress president of New Caledonia.
Roch Wamytan Photo: AFP
Roch Wamytan was elected after the new Pacific Awakening party, which emanates from the Wallisian and Futunian community, defied expectations and refused to endorse the anti-independence camp's candidate Magali Manuohalolo who is also an ethnic Futunian.
The public broadcaster on Wallis quoted a customary leader as saying he hopes the vote won't mark a step towards New Caledonia's independence.
Others welcome the electoral alliance as a novel sign of cooperation among Pacific Islanders.
The move is also being seen as a sign of emancipation of the community from Wallis and Futuna in New Caledonia's society.
There has been a suggestion that the leader of Pacific Awakening Milakulo Tukumuli become a member of the government.
A new government is expected to be formed in the next two weeks.