2013 Falkland Islands sovereignty referendum

2013 Falkland Islands sovereignty referendum

10–11 March 2013

Do you wish the Falkland Islands to retain their current political status as an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom?
Results
Choice
Votes %
Yes 1,513 99.80%
No 3 0.20%
Valid votes 1,516 99.87%
Invalid or blank votes 2 0.13%
Total votes 1,518 100.00%
Registered voters/turnout 1,650 92%

A referendum on political status was held in the Falkland Islands on 10–11 March 2013.[1][2][3] The Falkland Islanders were asked whether or not they supported the continuation of their status as an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom in view of Argentina's call for negotiations on the islands' sovereignty.[4]

On a turnout of 92%, 99.8% voted to remain a British territory, with only three votes against.[5] Had the islanders rejected the continuation of their current status, a second referendum on possible alternatives would have been held.[4] Brad Smith, the leader of the international observer group, announced that the referendum was free and fair and executed in accordance with international standards and international laws.[6]

  1. ^ "Falkland Islands to hold referendum on political future". Penguin News. 12 June 2012. Archived from the original on 18 June 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2012.
  2. ^ "Electoral Commission to assist with Falklands referendum". Penguin News. 30 August 2012. Archived from the original on 31 January 2013. Retrieved 10 September 2012.
  3. ^ "Falklands' March 10/11 referendum, a democratic exercise of self-determination". MercoPress, South Atlantic News Agency. 26 November 2012. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  4. ^ a b "Falkland Islands referendum question proposed". Penguin News. 1 November 2012. Archived from the original on 31 January 2013. Retrieved 1 November 2012.
  5. ^ Falklands referendum: Voters choose to remain UK territory BBC News, 12 March 2013
  6. ^ "Falklands Vote 98.8% Yes". Falkland Islands News Network. 12 March 2013. Archived from the original on 25 December 2013. Retrieved 12 March 2013.