1990 Western Samoan constitutional referendum explained

Country:Western Samoa
Date:12 November 1990
Barwidth:180px
Part1 Subject:Do you agree that every citizen of Western Samoa who has attained the age of 21 years is entitled to be registered to vote at any General Election or By-Election?
Part1 Choice1:For
Part1 Percentage1:52.62
Part1 Choice2:Against
Part1 Percentage2:47.38
Part2 Subject:Do you agree that there should be a second Assembly for Parliament to be called the Maota o le Aganuu comprising members from each of the eleven traditional divisions of Western Samoa, such members to be elected in accordance with custom and tradition?
Part2 Choice1:For
Part2 Percentage1:39.32
Part2 Choice2:Against
Part2 Percentage2:60.68

A constitutional referendum was held in Western Samoa on 12 November 1990. Voters were asked whether they approved of the introduction of universal suffrage and a second chamber of Parliament. The first change was approved by 52.6% of voters, but the second opposed by 60.7%. Voter turnout was 74.3% for the first question and 73.7% for the second.[1]

Although universal suffrage was introduced, candidates in elections still had to be part of the Matai.[2]

Results

Question One: Universal Suffrage

ChoiceVotes%
For20,14952.6
Against18,14147.4
Invalid/blank votes1,844
Total40,143100
Registered voters/turnout54,00274.32
Source: Nohlen et al.

Question Two: Second chamber of Parliament

ChoiceVotes%
For14,35539.3
Against22,11960.7
Invalid/blank votes3,331
Total39,785100
Registered voters/turnout54,00273.67
Source: Nohlen et al.

Notes and References

  1. [Dieter Nohlen]
  2. Nohlen et al., p54