New Caledonia Provincial Elections: Polling has closed and vote counting is underway after a tense but calm day, with 192,584 registered voters choosing members of three provincial assemblies that will feed into the 54-seat Congress and shape future negotiations with Paris. Security & Cost-of-Living Pressure: Heavy security (about 2,500 officers plus drones and armoured vehicles) stayed visible around polling sites, while a territory-wide alcohol sales ban ran until election day to reduce unrest risk. Campaign Stakes: Campaigning wrapped Friday midnight, with voters focused on public services (health, transport), housing access and jobs amid lingering economic strain after the 2024 unrest. UN Decolonisation Lens: The UN urged that the elections be treated as part of a decolonisation pathway, keeping international law and self-determination central to the political debate. Northern Province Leadership Watch: In the north, veteran provincial president Paul Neaoutyine faces a challenge as UNI’s long dominance is tested ahead of Sunday’s vote. Tourism & Trade Link: New Caledonia Tourism and Aircalin appointed Viviana Hales as Australia sales executive, aiming to strengthen regional travel demand as the territory navigates political uncertainty.