Voters took to the polls in large numbers in the South Pacific archipelago of New Caledonia on Sunday for a referendum on whether to break away from France after nearly 170 years, reports SWI SwissInfo.
A "yes" vote would see France lose its most import Pacific territory and dent the pride of a former colonial power whose reach once spanned the Caribbean, large parts of Africa, Asia and the Pacific.
The referendum also coincides with geopolitical reconfiguration in the Pacific, where China is expanding its influence at the expense of traditional Western players.
As of late on Sunday, the estimated turnout was 79.63%, according to the Office of the High Commissioner of the Republic in New Caledonia.
More than 180,000 long-term residents of New Caledonia are registered to vote yes or no on the question: "Do you want New Caledonia to gain its full sovereignty and become independent?"