Philippe Germain has been re-elected president of New Caledonia.
His appointment comes a day before French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe is due to arrive on Friday in Noumea to discuss the upcoming independence referendum of the territory.
Mr Germain's appointment ends a three-month stalemate in New Caledonia.
The referendum, expected by November next year, will coincide with the 165th year of French control of the territory.
The referendum will settle whether New Caledonia becomes fully independent and takes over responsibility for justice and defence, along with monetary and foreign policy.
France and New Caledonia have so far agreed on the electoral roll and presence of United Nations officials for the vote.
The question is yet to be worked out.
If New Caledonia opts to separate from France it will be the first to do so since Vanuatu gained independence in 1980.
New Caledonia has an estimated population of 275,000.
Forty per cent are indigenous Kanaks and about 30 per cent of the population are European.
There are strong predictions within France that New Caledonia will vote to remain.
The French government is expected to take a hands-off approach and won't be campaigning on either side.
