New Caledonia is holding its provincial elections on Sunday, the first such polls since 2019. The elections were originally scheduled for 2024 but are delayed by violent unrest in the French Pacific territory. Reporting from multiple outlets says security is tight at polling stations, with heavy deployment of security personnel as voting gets under way. The provincial vote is widely described as crucial for the territory’s political future. The delay is linked to deadly riots connected to disputes over voting rights, which disrupted plans for the 2024 election and contributed to postponements. As voting begins, authorities keep close oversight of polling locations to manage risks associated with recent unrest and to ensure the process proceeds safely. Sources agree that these elections represent a significant milestone after a multi-year gap in provincial polling, and that the current vote takes place under heightened security measures designed to protect voters and election staff.