New Caledonia's economy is poised to pick up this year after stagnating last year.
An assessment by the organisation in charge of issuing the territory's currency says possible growth could be affected by the outcome of next month's election and the low nickel price.
It says since 2011 there has been a decline after the euphoria of the preceding decade when major investments were made in new nickel plants.
The institute says while the business climate has deteriorated because of the election, the number of people in employment has gone up.
