New Caledonia archipelago votes on independence from France

Voters in New Caledonia, a French archipelago in the South Pacific, were deciding Sunday whether they want independence from France in a referendum that marks a milestone in a three-decade decolonization effort.Polling stations opened at 8 a.m. (11 p.m. Saturday in mainland France; 2100 GMT) and will close 10 hours later.If voters choose independence, a transition period will immediately open so that the archipelago can get ready for its future status.