New Caledonia set for 2nd referendum on independence from France | Al Jazeera

Voters in the southern Pacific French territory of New Caledonia are set to cast their ballots in a referendum on whether to break away from France and become an independent state.

The poll on Sunday is the second time New Caledonia holds such a referendum. Two years ago, almost 57 percent of voters voted against independence. If statehood is rejected again, a third referendum may be possible in 2022.

Choosing independence would lead to full devolution of powers to the territory of 273,000 people, and the end of generous subsidies from France, which provides $1.5bn in financial support annually.

More than 180,000 people are registered to vote in the poll, in which they will be asked the question: “Do you want New Caledonia to gain its full sovereignty and become independent?”