New Caledonia referendum: vote closing The French Pacific islands of New Caledonia vote on whether to become an independent nation, in a closely-watched test of support for France in one of its many territories scattered around the globe. Voting in New Caledonia's 284 polling stations were to close at 6.00 pm (0700 GMT), with results expected the same evening. The participation rate was 73.68 percent at 5:00 pm, much higher than at the same time during local elections in 2014. IMAGES of polling station closing