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.
Background
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 NationsSpecial Committee on Decolonization did not send observers.[3]
Results
Voters were asked "Do you wish New Caledonia to remain in the French Republic, or do you wish it to become independent?"
