Oceanian Democratic Rally Explained

Oceanian Democratic Rally
Native Name:Rassemblement démocratique océanien
Leader:Aloïsio Sako
French:None, close to the Socialist Party
Colours:Red
Headquarters:Nouméa
Congseats:1
Sudseats:1
Nordseats:0
Ilesseats:0

The Oceanian Democratic Rally (French: Rassemblement démocratique océanien, RDO) is a militant socialist pro-independence political party in New Caledonia. It is a component of the National Union for Independence, which in turn is one of the two components of the Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS).

History

The RDO was founded in 1994 by local Polynesian Wallisians and Futunians favourable to the independence of New Caledonia from France. Aloïsio Sako, who had served as President of the Polynesian-based Oceanian Union and was a police officer, was removed from office by the then-Minister of the Interior Charles Pasqua.

The party currently holds one seat in the Congress of New Caledonia representing the South Province, which has a sizeable Polynesian population.