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.
Quick Facts 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? ...
1961 Western Samoan referendum|
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For |
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86.49% |
Against |
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13.51% |
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For |
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85.40% |
Against |
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14.60% |
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