Media reports from New Caledonia say moves are afoot to form a government which would end a three-month political impasse.
The New Caledonia congress. Photo: AFP
The territory has been without a properly constituted government since August because the only presidential candidate repeatedly failed to get a majority of the 11 government ministers to vote for him.
A number of politicians consider the stalemate to be a bad look as the French prime minister Edouard Philippe is due on Saturday for an official visit to discuss preparations for next year's independence referendum.
Media reports say both pro- and anti-independence politicians have been in meetings and that they are poised to re-elect Philippe Germain as president on short notice.
Photo: RNZI / Koroi Hawkins
In previous election attempts, Mr Germain had the support of only five of the six anti-independence ministers.
The latest talks suggest that pro-independence ministers may now vote for him to give New Caledonia a government.
For an election to be held it has to be called by the French High Commissioner.