1987 New Caledonian independence referendum
13 September 1987
Do you want New Caledonia to gain independence or remain within the French Republic?
Results
Choice
 Votes  %
Remain with France 48,611 98.30%
Independence 842 1.70%
Valid votes 49,453 98.41%
Invalid or blank votes 797 1.59%
Total votes 50,250 100.00%
Registered voters/turnout 85,022 59.1%

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

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

Choice Votes %
France48,61198.30
Independence8421.70
Invalid/blank votes797–
Total50,250100
Registered voters/turnout85,02259.10
Source: Direct Democracy

See also

References

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.