Citizens of New Caledonia have cast their referendum ballot, with early indications suggesting over 60 per cent have voted against independence.
The nation has seen social and economic divisions arise from the referendum, with the independence movement drawing its main support from Indigenous populations, in contrast with a large segment of Europeans favouring French rule.
New Caledonia will have three more chances to agree to independence, with further referendums expected in 2020 and 2022.