Proposed Chuukese independence referendum
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An independence referendum is scheduled to be held in Chuuk State in the Federated States of Micronesia. The vote had originally been planned for 3 March 2015 as part of the 2015 federal elections,[1] but was eventually postponed by State Governor Johnson Elimo and rescheduled to be held on 5 March 2019, alongside the 2019 federal elections.[2][3]
On 22 February 2019 the Micronesian government announced that the vote was postponed again, to March 2020.[4][5]
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] On 22 February 2019, state officials announced that the referendum had once again been postponed.[4] It is now schedule to be held in March 2020.[5]
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
- ^ a b c d Chuuk State To Hold Secession Vote In March Pacific Islands Report, 6 February 2015
- ^ a b Chuuk independence vote postponed Radio NZ, 27 February 2015
- ^ Breaking away from FSM? Think again, US envoy tells Chuuk Pacific Island Times, 3 August 2018
- ^ a b Vote on Micronesia state breakaway postponed Channel NewsAsia, 22 February 2019
- ^ a b [1] Pacific Island Times, 11 December, 2018