1997 Anjouan independence referendum

Anjouan independence referendum

26 October 1997

Results
Choice
Votes %
Yes 135,116 99.68%
No 439 0.32%
Valid votes 135,555 97.52%
Invalid or blank votes 3,444 2.48%
Total votes 138,999 100.00%
Registered voters/turnout 146,593 94.82%

An independence referendum was held on Anjouan, an island in the Comoros, on 26 October 1997.[1] Over 99% of voters voted in favour of independence. However, the vote was not recognised and the island returned to the control of the Comorian government in 2001.

Background

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In July 1997 opposition parties were banned and Anjouan separatist leader Abdallah Ibrahim was arrested. His arrest led to rioting in Mutsamudu, the capital of Anjouan.[2] Following the riots, militants from the Anjouan People's Movement took over the island, and declared independence on 3 August 1997. Ibrahim was released from prison and named President. At the same time, the island of Mohéli also declared independence.[2]

On 3 October the Comorian army attempted to invade the island, but were repulsed by local troops.[3] A referendum was subsequently called by Ibrahim despite opposition from the Organisation for African Unity and the Arab League.[3]

Results

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ChoiceVotes%
For135,11699.68
Against4390.32
Total135,555100.00
Valid votes135,55597.52
Invalid/blank votes3,4442.48
Total votes138,999100.00
Registered voters/turnout146,59394.82
Source: Direct Democracy

Aftermath

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Following the referendum, Ibrahim was appointed head of a provision government of island, now renamed Nzwani. In mid-November he agreed to attend peace talks with Comorian president Mohamed Taki Abdoulkarim.[2] After the talks fell through, Anjouan voters subsequently approved a draft constitution in a referendum in February 1998.[2]

Following another failed attempt to reach agreement in 1999,[4] agreement was reached between the Comorian government and the Anjouan separatists in 2001 to progress with a national referendum on a new federal constitution.[2] This was approved by 76% of voters nationally, and 95% of voters on Anjouan.[5]

References

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  1. ^ Anjouan (Comoros), 26 October 1997: Independent Direct Democracy (in German)
  2. ^ a b c d e Tom Lansford (2015) Political Handbook of the World 2015, CQ Press
  3. ^ a b COMORO ISLANDS: Anjouan Leader Plans Referendum On Secession IPS, 13 October 1997
  4. ^ Comoros profile BBC News
  5. ^ Elections in the Comoros African Elections Database