1958 New Caledonian constitutional referendum

28 September 1958

Do you approve of the Constitution proposed by the Government of the Republic?
Results
Choice
Votes  %
Yes 26,085 98.12%
No 500 1.88%
Valid votes 26,585 98.36%
Invalid or blank votes 443 1.64%
Total votes 27,028 100.00%
Registered voters/turnout 35,163 76.86%

A referendum on the new constitution of France was held in New Caledonia on 28 September 1958 as part of a wider referendum held across the French Union. If accepted, the new constitution would see the country become part of the new French Community. If rejected, the referendum would result in independence. It was approved by 98.12% of voters.[1]

Campaign

In August 1958 the leaders of the two main parties, Maurice Lenormand of the Caledonian Union and Georges Chatenay of the National Centre of Social Republicans, met French President Charles de Gaulle and committed to advocate for a 'yes' vote.[2]

The Caledonien newspaper attacked Governor Aimé Grimald for supporting the 'yes' campaign.[2] Some trade unionists opposed supporting the new constitution, arguing that de Gaulle was aligned with the wealthy.[2]

Results

Voters were asked the question "Do you approve of the Constitution proposed by the Government of the Republic".[3]

ChoiceVotes%
For26,08598.12
Against5001.88
Total26,585100.00
Valid votes26,58598.36
Invalid/blank votes4431.64
Total votes27,028100.00
Registered voters/turnout35,16376.86
Source: Direct Democracy

References

  1. Frankreich, 28. September 1958 : Verfassung Direct Democracy
  2. 1 2 3 New constitution in French South Pacific Pacific Islands Monthly, October 1958, p19
  3. France's fateful decision soon Pacific Islands Monthly, September 1958, p19
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