New Caledonia: Fires burn in the streets during riots over voting reforms

Riots erupted on the French-ruled Pacific island of New Caledonia over proposed voting reforms. Authorities put a curfew in place, shut the international airport and called for police reinforcements after protests turned violent. Under the new law, French residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years would be allowed to vote in provincial elections. Local leaders have expressed concerns that the new law would dilute the vote of indigenous Kanak. Subscribe to The Telegraph with our special offer: just £1 for 3 months. Start your free trial now: Get the latest headlines: and are websites of The Telegraph, the UK’s best-selling quality daily newspaper providing news and analysis on UK and world events, business, sport, lifesty