1961 Western Samoan referendum
A double referendum on a new constitution and independence took place in Western Samoa on 10 May 1961. A Constitutional Assembly of Matai and associated groups had been elected the previous year to draw up a proposed constitution. It reflected the Westminster system of parliamentary democracy, but restricted both standing and voting in elections to the Matai.[1] The referendums were supervised by the United Nations, and with both approved, the country gained independence on 1 January the following year.
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| Do you agree with the Constitution, adopted by the Constitutional Convention on 28 October 1960? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Do you agree that on 1 January 1962 Western Samoa should become an independent State on the basis of that Constitution? | ||
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| Constitution |
Results
New constitution
Do you agree with the Constitution, adopted by the Constitutional Convention on 28 October 1960?[2]
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| For | 31,426 | 86.49 |
| Against | 4,909 | 13.51 |
| Invalid/blank votes | 1,562 | – |
| Total | 37,897 | 100 |
| Source: Direct Democracy | ||
Independence
Do you agree that on 1 January 1962 Western Samoa should become an independent State on the basis of that Constitution?[3]
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| For | 29,882 | 85.40 |
| Against | 5,108 | 14.60 |
| Invalid/blank votes | 2,907 | – |
| Total | 37,897 | 100 |
| Source: Direct Democracy | ||
References
- Dieter Nohlen, Florian Grotz & Christof Hartmann (2001) Elections in Asia: A data handbook, Volume II, p780 ISBN 0-19-924959-8
- West-Samoa, 10. Mai 1961 : Verfassung Direct Democracy
- West-Samoa, 10. Mai 1961 : Unabhängigkeit Direct Democracy
External links
- Plebiscite Day newsreel Archives New Zealand
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