The Referendums: Democracy in Action

Three independence referendums (2018, 2020, 2021) marked historic moments. Despite "no" victories, independence support grew: - 2018: 43.3% yes - 2020: 46.7% yes - 2021: 3.5% yes (with independence camp boycott)

"Results show society evolving," analyzes Dr. Pierre-Christophe Pantz. "Independence becomes thinkable, normalized."

The 2021 boycott, protesting referendum timing during COVID mourning, created legitimacy questions. "Democracy requires participation," argues loyalist leader Sonia Backès. "Boycott undermines result."

"Our dead weren't buried. French law ignored Kanak custom," counters FLNKS spokesperson Wassissi Konyi. "No legitimate choice existed."

Post-referendum uncertainty challenges all parties. "Neither side won decisively," observes former minister Louis Kotra Uregei. "New consensus must emerge."