The PIF Observes the Referendum

As in previous consultations, the Pacific Islands Forum has deployed the Forum's Ministerial Committee, established in 1990, to New Caledonia to observe the final referendum of the Nouméa Accord, which is being held in a few days. Led by Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Fiji, currently chairing the PIF, the mission is composed of the Samoan High Commissioner to Fiji, Ali'ioaiga Feturi Elisaia, the Forum's Secretary General, Henry Puna, and staff from the Fijian Government and the Forum Secretariat.

Meeting with PIF representatives 

Referendum and Regional Issues

After observing a seven-day quarantine period,, the PIF representatives began their official visits to the various New Caledonian institutions and the main actors of the referendum. "We will be meeting with stakeholders on all sides of the debate in the week leading up to the vote," said the head of mission before his departure. Discussions between the President of the Government and the delegation focused on the framework of his mission and the management of the health crisis in New Caledonia. This meeting also allowed to discuss regional issues. "The Covid-19 crisis has amplified the need to address our regional priorities such as climate change, oceans, fisheries, regional security,"  PIF representatives said. On the day, the mission members will observe the vote in different parts of the territory before preparing a report.