Residents of the French overseas territory of New Caledonia in a referendum rejected the idea of ??independence, according to BBC.

According to the final results, 56.4% of voters decided that New Caledonia should remain part of France. 43.6% voted for exit.

Turnout was about 81%. They decided to hold a referendum in 1988 in order to put an end to the aggressive struggle for independence..

President Emanuel Macron stated that this indicates "confidence in the French Republic".

New Caledonia is represented in the French parliament by two deputies and two senators..

The territory has its own parliament, which appoints members of the executive body.. Local authorities have authority over certain policies, including law enforcement, education, and local laws..

France first declared its right to the islands in 1853 and used them as a correctional colony before..