Wallis re-elects Kulimoetoke as president

The assembly of Wallis and Futuna has re-elected Mika Kulimoetoke as president for another year.

According to the local broadcaster, he secured 13 vote and the rival candidate, Patrick Baudry, seven.

Kulimoetoke has outlined some of the territory's challenges and called for a lengthening of the executive's current one-year term.

He has cited his concern to maintain health care links with neighbouring New Caledonia in view of the territory's debts.

He has also raised hopes for Wallis and Futuna to be able to join talks about New Caledonia's future status because many people have migrated to Noumea to become a significant minority.

In 2018, New Caledonia is due to hold an independence referendum to conclude the final phase of the 1998 Noumea Accord.

SOURCE: RNZI/PACNEWS/ ONEPNG