1961 Western Samoan referendum

Western Samoa 10 May 1961 180px Do you agree with the Constitution, adopted by the Constitutional Convention on 28 October 1960? For 86.49 Against 13.51 Do you agree that on 1 January 1962 Western Samoa should become an independent State on the basis of that Constitution? 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.Dieter Nohlen, Florian Grotz & Christof Hartmann (2001) Elections in Asia: A data handbook, Volume II, p780 0-19-924959-8 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?West-Samoa, 10. Mai 1961 : Verfassung Direct Democracy ChoiceVotes%For31,42686.49Against4,90913.51Invalid/blank votes1,562–Total37,897100Source: Direct Democracy Independence Do you agree that on 1 January 1962 Western Samoa should become an independent State on the basis of that Constitution?West-Samoa, 10. Mai 1961 : Unabhängigkeit Direct Democracy ChoiceVotes%For29,88285.40Against5,10814.60Invalid/blank votes2,907–Total37,897100Source: Direct Democracy References External links Plebiscite Day newsreel Archives New Zealand Western Samoa Referendum Category:Referendums in Samoa Samoa Category:Constitutional referendums Category:May 1961 in Oceania