Voters in the Pacific territory of New Caledonia have rejected a bid for independence from France.<br />Final results show that 56.4 percent chose to remain a part of France, while 43.6 percent voted to leave.<br />The turnout was 81 percent. <br />The result was tighter than some polls had predicted which could encourage nationalists to try for a new referendum in coming years.<br />Two more referendums on independence can be held before 2022.<br />French President Emmanuel Macron described Sunday's result as a historic step that showed great pride for the French republic. <br />
