Pacific

Many new leaders chosen in Wallis and Futuna poll

09:08 am on 21 March 2022

Voters in Wallis and Futuna have gone to the polls to elect a new assembly for a five-year term.

Photo: AFP

28 lists of candidates contested the 20 seats, with 13 representing Wallis and seven Futuna.

Half the seats have been won by new members who will now negotiate alliances to form a majority.

Among those re-elected is Mikaele Kulimoetoke, who is also the territory's member of the French Senate.

The assembly president Nivaleta Iloai did not run.

Turnout was over 84 percent among the territory's 9,500 registered voters, with many of them casting their ballots after Sunday mass.

Campaign issues included the high cost of living and the departure of many young people struggling to find economic opportunities.

Wallis and Futuna has seen continued emigration to New Caledonia and the population is ageing.

The territory includes the French republic's only three kingdoms, with the kings being part of the French territorial administration, which is led by a prefect.