France's highest administrative court has dismissed a request to annul the result of New Caledonia's territorial election last May.
The bid had been made by the former president of the territorial Congress and leading pro-independence politician, Roch Wamytan, who questioned the legality of the electoral rolls.
According to the territory's daily newspaper, the court in Paris rejected his reasoning, saying he went against New Caledonian court decisions.
The territory's lower courts had dismissed dozens of cases brought by the pro-independence side, which claimed that thousands of people voted although they were not eligible.
The cases are being appealed.
Mr Wamytan had argued that the Paris court should have waited until the appeal court decision is out.
Former president of the New Caldonian Congress, Roch Wamytan Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
