There has been a low turnout in the first round of New Caledonia's municipal election, which was marred by bad weather caused by Cyclone Gretel.
A satellite image of Cyclone Gretel near New Caledonia on Sunday. Photo: Météo-France
Shortly before polls closed, official turnout was below 41 percent compared to almost 54 percent at the last such election six years ago.
A standout result has been achieved by the Noumea mayor Sonia Lagarde, who won reelection by a record margin of almost 64 percent of the votes.
In Ponerihouen and Boulouparis have also elected their mayors in the first round.
Newly-formed parties like Generations NC and Pacific Awakening have secured council seats.
The second round of voting is scheduled next Sunday.
