Contemporary Governance: Shared Sovereignty

New Caledonia's governance structure reflects compromise and innovation: - French High Commissioner retaining sovereign powers - Collegial government with independence/loyalist power-sharing - Congress legislating on transferred competencies - Three provinces with significant autonomy - Customary Senate advising on Kanak matters - Municipalities managing local affairs

"It's controlled decolonization," analyzes political scientist Dr. Mathias Chauchat. "Sovereignty transfers without rupture. Unique globally."

This system creates frustrations. "Every decision requires consensus between people wanting opposite futures," complains government member Vaimu'a Muliava. "Efficiency suffers."

Yet it maintains peace while building inter-community dialogue. "We learned to govern together despite disagreements," notes President Louis Mapou, first independentist government leader. "That's precious capital."

The customary Senate represents innovation, giving traditional authorities constitutional role. "Integrating customary governance with French law seemed impossible," reflects Senate president Cyprien Kawa. "We're proving hybridity works."