New Caledonia Election Watch: Polling has closed and counting is underway in New Caledonia’s provincial elections, the first in seven years after the 2024 riots; turnout was 63.7% and 192,584 voters were registered, with heavy security (around 2,500 officers) and alcohol sales banned to keep the vote calm. Congress Power Shift: Provisional figures point to a loyalist surge in the Southern Province, likely giving anti-independence parties control there, while pro-independence lists remain strong in the North and Loyalty Islands—leaving Congress overall broadly balanced versus 2019. Regional Governance & Trade: Pro-France coalition leaders say they’re close to a majority but may need kingmaker support, as negotiations with Paris over the territory’s future intensify. Pacific Climate & Resilience: SPREP highlights that El Niño can bring both risks and opportunities for Pacific economies and communities, depending on rainfall and ocean conditions. Indigenous-Led Conservation: Pacific leaders and traditional authorities are meeting to strengthen Indigenous-led conservation and climate resilience, with New Caledonia among participants. Melanesian Diplomacy: PNG and Vanuatu leaders are pushing for stronger regional cooperation, including MSG effectiveness and mining know-how sharing.