| 1962 Algerian independence referendum | |
| Date: | 1 July 1962 |
| Do you want Algeria to become an independent state, co-operating with France under the conditions defined in the declarations of 19 March 1962? | |
| Country: | French Algeria |
| Yes Text: | For |
| No Text: | Against |
| Yes: | 5975581 |
| No: | 16534 |
| Invalid: | 25565 |
| Electorate: | 6549736 |
An independence referendum was held in French Algeria on 1 July 1962. It followed French approval of the Évian Accords in an April referendum. Voters were asked whether Algeria should become an independent state, co-operating with France; 99.72% voted in favour with a voter turnout of 91.88%.
Following the referendum, France declared Algeria to be independent on 3 July; the decision was published in the official journal the following day,[1] and Algerian leaders declared 5 July (the 132nd anniversary of the French arrival in Algiers) to be Independence Day.[2] When Algeria ceased to be part of France it also ceased being part of the European Communities.[3]
The Algerian War was started by members of the National Liberation Front (FLN) with the Toussaint Rouge attacks on 1 November 1954. Conflicts proliferated in France, including the May 1958 Algerian crisis that led to the fall of the Fourth Republic.[4] French forces used brutal means of attempting to suppress Algerian nationalists, alienating support in metropolitan France and discrediting French prestige abroad.[5] [6]
In 1960, French President Charles de Gaulle agreed to negotiations with the FLN after major demonstrations in Algiers and other cities. A 1961 referendum on allowing self-determination for Algeria was approved by 75% of voters (including 70% of those voting in Algeria). Negotiations concluded with the signing of the Évian Accords in March 1962, which were approved by 91% of voters in a referendum on 8 April.[7]
The referendum question was phrased:
"Do you want Algeria to become an independent state, co-operating with France under the conditions defined in the declarations of 19 March 1962?"
In accordance with the Évian accords (Chapter III.3)[8] France was allowed to maintain its Mers El Kébir naval base for fifteen years. However, all forces were withdrawn in 1967.
Canadian historian John C. Cairns stated in 1962 that:[9]