The French commission supervising Sunday's independence referendum in New Caledonia says it was regrettable that groups flying the FLNKS pro-independence flag were crowding polling stations.
Its head Francis Lamy said there was no such presence observed at the last referendum two years ago but because of their nature, these displays could be perceived as pressure on voters.
Kanak independence supporters wave flags of the Socialist Kanak National Liberation Front (FLNKS) after the referendum on independence on the French South Pacific territory of New Caledonia in Noumea on October 4, 2020. (Photo by Theo Rouby / AFP) Photo: AFP or licensors
He said vehicles flying Kanak flags went from one polling station to the next.
On Sunday night, anti-independence politicians described the scenes in the greater Noumea area as attempts to intimidate voters but Lamy said the incidents were unlikely to change the outcome of the ballot.
Lamy today proclaimed the official referendum result, with 53,26 percent of the electorate rejecting independence.
In 2018, just over 56 percent voted against New Caledonia acceding to full sovereignty.
Turnout was above 85 percent.
Lamy also said on the eve of voting, almost 400 people managed to enrol for the plebiscite.
Under the terms of the Noumea Accord, a third and final referendum can be called within two years if requested by a third of New Caledonia's Congress.