1977 Nevis independence referendum
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An unofficial independence referendum was held in Nevis on 18 August 1977.[1] It was organised by the Nevis Reformation Party and sought for the island of Nevis to separate from St Kitts prior to independence and remain within the British Empire as a separate Crown colony, similar to Anguilla, which had seceded from Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla in 1967.
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18 August 1977
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Although 99.66% voting in favour,[1] the result was declared invalid by the national government.
Results
| Choice | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| For | 4,193 | 99.67 | |
| Against | 14 | 0.33 | |
| Total | 4,207 | 100.00 | |
| Valid votes | 4,207 | 99.69 | |
| Invalid/blank votes | 13 | 0.31 | |
| Total votes | 4,220 | 100.00 | |
| Source: Direct Democracy | |||
Aftermath
The constitution proclaimed at the independence of Saint Kitts and Nevis in 1983 contained Article 113, giving Nevis the right to unilaterally secede if a referendum resulted in a two-thirds majority.[1] A 1998 referendum resulted in 62% voting in favour of independence, but required a two-thirds majority in favour and did not succeed.[2]