1993 Narva and Sillamäe autonomy referendum

The 1993 Narva and Sillamäe autonomy referendum was an unconstitutional referendum held on 16–17 July 1993 in Narva and Sillamäe in north-east Estonia, on whether to seek autonomy within the country.

1993 Narva and Sillamäe autonomy referendum
16–17 July 1993

Background

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Narva is a city in north-east Estonia, with strong historical and ethnic ties to Russia.[1] In 1993, ethnic Russians comprised about one third of Estonia's population of 1.6 million people.[2] Some Russian residents complained that planned Estonian laws would limit their political and civil rights.[2]

Results

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Voting took place from 16 to 17 July 1993, in Narva, Kohtla-Järve and Sillamäe.[3] The Chancellor of Justice of Estonia declared the referendum unconstitutional.[4]

In Narva, 97% voted in favour of autonomy on a turnout of 54%, and in Sillamäe 95% voted in favour from a turnout of 60%.[5]

References

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  1. ^ Upadhyay, Archana (2017). "Borderland Geopolitics in Estonia: The Case of "Narva" – the Russian Majority Enclave". World Affairs: The Journal of International Issues. 23 (3). Kapur Surya Foundation: 160–169. JSTOR 48531360.
  2. ^ a b Tarm, Michael (16 July 1993). "Russians in Northeastern Estonia Vote on Autonomy". Associated Press. Retrieved 19 June 2021.
  3. ^ Simson, Priit (19 July 2013). "The little Russia that wanted to break away". Voxeurop. Tallinn. Retrieved 19 June 2021.
  4. ^ Efron, Sonni (18 July 1993). "Russia, Estonia Keep Eye on City's Autonomy Vote". Los Angeles Times. Narva. Retrieved 19 June 2021.
  5. ^ Bridge, Adrian (18 July 1993). "Estonia's ethnic Russians reject Tallinn rule". The Independent. Archived from the original on 2022-05-01. Retrieved 19 June 2021.