Moves are afoot in New Caledonia to form a single electoral list of the pro-independence parties and Kanak groups for the May election in the southern province
The Nouvelles Caledoniennes newspaper reports that a weekend meeting explored how they can combine their positions in a bid to improve their election chances in an area traditionally dominated by the anti-independence camp.
The former head of the FLNKS movement, Roch Wamytan, says the spread over many lists means that none of the pro-independence or progressive groups can pass the five-percent hurdle.
He says calculations show that without joining lists, the FLNKS cannot win in the southern province.
This month, parties making up the FLNKS will hold meetings to study the plans, with more broad talks on a joint list planned for February the 7th.