Wamytan capitalises on schisms

Front de Liberation Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS) leader Rock Wamytan capitalised on divisions within anti-independence parties in the French territory to be elected for the second time as president of the New Caledonia Congress. He last held the post in 2011 for one year. His election comes about at a crucial time in the run up to the 2014 congressional elections but commentatorswarned against reading too much into Mr Wamytan’s election in light of the Kanaks’ struggle for self-determination. The pro-independence groups, which currently boast 23 members in the assembly, would require at least two thirds of the 54-member body to have any chances of deciding their future at a referendum after next year’s poll.

This article was written by

Kiery Manassah

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