New Caledonia's pro-independence side has restated its demand that all indigenous Kanaks be automatically inscribed on the roll of those eligible to vote in the independence referendum due by 2018.
New Caledonia's Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre meets the outer Noumea skyline. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
This contrasts with provisions that all voters meeting residency requirements have to register on the general roll.
At a recent meeting of the territory's leaders with the French prime minister in Paris, no consensus was reached on the roll question.
A statement by the pro-independence camp said the United Nations affirmed in 1960 that all people were allowed to determine their political status.
It also said the participation of the pro-independence side in the referendum would be judged against the promises given to it.
It added that the indigenous people had been generous in sharing its right to self-determination with those who have also made New Caledonia their country.
There are claims that about 25,000 Kanaks are not on the general roll although there are suggestions that the figure is exaggerated.