Polling stations close across New Caledonia as officials begin tallying votes from Sunday’s provincial elections. The vote marks the territory’s first provincial election since 2019, following delays linked to stalled political talks about New Caledonia’s future. Several sources describe the election as a test of the territory’s direction after years of political deadlock and unrest. The results are expected to shape the balance of power within New Caledonia’s provincial structures before further negotiations with France about the territory’s status. Independence is presented as the central political issue in the run-up to the election, and the outcome is expected to influence how negotiations proceed and what options are likely to be pursued. One outlet notes that the election is taking place after prior disruptions to the electoral calendar, with preparations culminating in Sunday voting. As polling stations have now closed, attention turns to the counting and official results.