Summary
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.
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Do you want New Caledonia to gain independence or remain within the French Republic? | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Background edit
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 edit
Voters were asked "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 | ||