Chuukese independence referendum, 2019

Federated States
of Micronesia
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politics and government of
the Federated States of Micronesia

An independence referendum was scheduled to be held in Chuuk State in the Federated States of Micronesia on 3 March 2015, alongside federal elections and Chuukese state elections.[1] However, it was later postponed by State Governor Johnson Elimo,[2] before being rescheduled for 5 March 2019.[3]

Background

The Chuuk Legislature commissioned a report on the state's status from the Chuuk State Political Status Commission. The Commission considered several options other than independence, but decided that they were "impractical, unrealistic or impossible." Commonwealth status was dismissed due to a lack of full political control.[1]

In late February 2015 the vote was postponed by Governor Elimo, with the Public Affairs Office stating that more consultation and awareness was needed.[2]

Campaign

Micronesian President Manny Mori campaigned against independence for Chuuk, claiming that the constitution did not allow for secession and that a "yes" vote would probably lead to a "long legal battle".[1] However, the Commission claimed that Chuuk has the right to declare independence under international law, following the precedent of Kosovo.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Chuuk State To Hold Secession Vote In March Pacific Islands Report, 6 February 2015
  2. 1 2 Chuuk independence vote postponed Radio NZ, 27 February 2015
  3. ↑ Breaking away from FSM? Think again, US envoy tells Chuuk Pacific Island Times, 3 August 2018
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