1961 Western Samoan referendum|
|
|
|
|
|
| For |
|
86.49% |
| Against |
|
13.51% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For |
|
85.40% |
| Against |
|
14.60% |
|
|
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.
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
External links