They had originally been planned for July, but were postponed due to threats by the Independence Front to boycott and disrupt the vote.

The elections were marred by violence; several houses, town halls and shops were set on fire, with FLNKS members clashing with security forces.

FLNKS also took a French administrator hostage on Lifou Island and occupied a police station in north-east of the territory.

[3] Violence continued after the elections; FLNKS members occupied the police station in Thio on 20 November and held five policemen hostage.

European settlers in Hienghène killed ten FLNKS militants on 5 December, including two brothers of Tjibaou.