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.
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Background
editIn 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
edit| Choice | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| For | 135,116 | 99.68 | |
| Against | 439 | 0.32 | |
| Total | 135,555 | 100.00 | |
| Valid votes | 135,555 | 97.52 | |
| Invalid/blank votes | 3,444 | 2.48 | |
| Total votes | 138,999 | 100.00 | |
| Registered voters/turnout | 146,593 | 94.82 | |
| Source: Direct Democracy | |||
Aftermath
editFollowing 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
edit- ^ Anjouan (Comoros), 26 October 1997: Independent Direct Democracy (in German)
- ^ a b c d e Tom Lansford (2015) Political Handbook of the World 2015, CQ Press
- ^ a b COMORO ISLANDS: Anjouan Leader Plans Referendum On Secession IPS, 13 October 1997
- ^ Comoros profile BBC News
- ^ Elections in the Comoros African Elections Database