Oh, wow, this was close. I genuinely had no idea pro-independence sentiment was so strong, and it's frankly a little worrying, both because I do think New Caledonia is currently better off within France (that wasn't always the case but French policy has improved considerably since the Nouméa accords) but more importantly because a bitterly divided society isn't good for either side.
Oh well. I think it's only fair to have a final referendum in a couple years to settle the matter once and for all. In the meantime, I hope tensions don't continue escalating.
It's a little optimistic to assume a third referendum will settle the matter "once and for all", if the "Yes" side increase their vote there'll be a push for a fourth referendum.
Well, three referenda is what the Nouméa accords established. I guess it's possible to have more if there's a major event to change things, but otherwise this is the process that both sides agreed upon, and I don't think it's unreasonable to expect them to abide by it.
Also, if a fourth referendum is held after the agreed-upon three, then people who immigrated over the past 30 years should be allowed to vote. It would be grossly unfair otherwise.
