1987 New Caledonian independence referendum

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Politics of New Caledonia
Emblem of New Caledonia.svg
  • Other countries
  • v
  • t

An independence referendum was held in New Caledonia on 13 September 1987.[1] Voters were given the choice of remaining part of France or becoming independent. The referendum was boycotted by independence movements. Only 1.7% voted in favour of independence.

Background[]

By a vote of 325 to 249, the French Parliament passed a law on 15 April 1984 on holding an independence referendum in New Caledonia.[1] Independence movements including the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front boycotted the referendum in protest at the franchise requirements, which made the indigenous population a minority.[1][2] Although former French president François Mitterrand had promised short-term residents of the territory would not be able to vote, they were enfranchised for the referendum.[3] As a result of claimed failures to respect the rights of the indigenous population, the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization did not send observers.[3]

Results[]

Do you wish New Caledonia to remain in the French Republic, or do you wish it to become independent?

Choice Votes %
France 48,611 98.30
Independence 842 1.70
Invalid/blank votes 797 –
Total 50,250 100
Registered voters/turnout 85,022 59.10
Source: Direct Democracy

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c New Caledonia (France), 13 September 1987: Status Direct Democracy (in German)
  2. ^ Alexandra Remond (2017) Questioned sovereignties: Independence referendums and secession in a comparative perspective
  3. ^ a b Voter boycott expected in New Caledonia elections UPI, 12 September 1982
Retrieved from ""