A double referendum on a new constitution and independence took place in Western Samoa on 10 May 1961. A Constitutional Assembly of Matai and associated groups had been elected the previous year to draw up a proposed constitution. It reflected the Westminster system of parliamentary democracy, but restricted both standing and voting in elections to the Matai.Dieter Nohlen, Florian Grotz & Christof Hartmann (2001) Elections in Asia: A data handbook, Volume II, p780 The referendums were supervised by the United Nations, and with both approved, the country gained independence on 1 January the following year.
Results New constitution
ChoiceVotes%For31,42686.49Against4,90913.51Invalid/blank votes1,562–Total37,897100Source: Direct Democracy
Independence
ChoiceVotes%For29,88285.40Against5,10814.60Invalid/blank votes2,907–Total37,897100Source: Direct Democracy
References
External links Plebiscite Day newsreel Archives New Zealand