France, June 28 -- The provincial elections are often described as the most important vote in New Caledonian politics because they determine not only who governs the territory, but also who represents each camp in negotiations over its future relationship with France.

Voters across the archipelago will elect members of three provincial assemblies and the local parliament, known as Congress.

The 54-member Congress will then choose a new government and play a central role in future negotiations with Paris over New Caledonia's political status. Political balance

Currently, pro-France loyalists hold 13 seats, the leading pro-independence groups hold 25 and the remaining seats are divided between smaller parties.

The vote was originally du...