A referendum on the status of the Northern Mariana Islands was held on 9 November 1969.[1] For the fourth time since 1958 a majority of voters supported integration with Guam. However, a referendum held in Guam on 4 November on integration with the Northern Mariana Islands had been rejected by 58% of Guamanian voters.[2]
Background
editPrevious referendums on either integration with Guam or the islands' status had been held in 1958, 1961 and 1963. On each occasion a majority had been in favor of integration. However, the proposal remained unfulfilled.
The 1969 referendum was organized by the local Parliament, and was held prior to a visit by a United Nations commission in early 1970.[1]
Results
editVoters were given five options:[1]
- Do you want to become U.S. Citizen within the political framework of the Territory of Guam?
- Do you want independence?
- Do you want to become an unincorporated Territory of the United States?
- Do want to free associate with the United States?
- What other form of government do you want?
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| Integration with Guam | 1,942 | 60.82 |
| Free association with the USA | 1,116 | 34.95 |
| Unincorporated territory of the USA | 107 | 3.35 |
| Independence | 19 | 0.59 |
| Other status | 9 | 0.28 |
| Invalid/blank votes | 40 | – |
| Total | 3,233 | 100 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 4,954 | 65.26 |
| Source: Direct Democracy | ||
References
edit- ^ a b c Northern Mariana Islands, 9 November 1969: Status Direct Democracy (in German)
- ^ Guam (USA), 4 November 1969: Union with the North Marianas Direct Democracy (in German)