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1987 New Caledonian independence referendum
13 September 1987
Do you want New Caledonia to gain independence or remain within the French Republic?
An independence referendum was held in New Caledonia on 13 September 1987. 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. 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. 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. As a result of claimed failures to respect the rights of the indigenous population, the United NationsSpecial Committee on Decolonization did not send observers.
Results
Voters were asked "Do you wish New Caledonia to remain in the French Republic, or do you wish it to become independent?"
Elections and referendums in New Caledonia