New Caledonia Elections: Polling has closed in New Caledonia’s provincial elections, the first in seven years after the 2024 unrest, with 192,584 registered voters and preliminary results expected late Sunday. Heavy security—about 2,500 officers plus drones and armoured vehicles—was deployed to keep polling calm, with alcohol sales banned ahead of voting. Congress Balance Watch: Early reporting suggests a loyalist surge in the Southern Province, where most of the territory’s population and economic activity sits, while the overall Congress balance may stay close to the outgoing legislature, leaving pro-independence parties still competitive. Pacific Conservation: Pacific leaders and Indigenous representatives are meeting to strengthen Indigenous-led conservation and climate resilience, with discussions on customary governance and sustainable financing. Regional Politics & Trade: PM Matthew Wale is calling for a stronger Melanesian Spearhead Group after talks with PNG’s James Marape, aiming for more effective regional processes on priorities including trade and security. Energy & Industry: PNG has offered Solomon Islands support to build a stronger mining sector, sharing resource governance experience and encouraging investment while protecting national interests.