1994 Moldovan referendum

1994 Moldovan referendum

6 March 1994
Are you for the Republic of Moldova to develop as an independent and indivisible state within the borders recognized by the UN, to promote a policy of neutrality, to maintain mutually beneficial economic relations with any country and to guarantee all its citizens equal rights according to the norms of international law?
Results
Choice Votes % Yes 1,722,602 97.92% No 36,546 2.08% Valid votes 1,759,148 97.28% Invalid or blank votes 49,146 2.72% Total votes 1,808,294 100.00% Registered voters/turnout 2,407,964 75.1%

A referendum on remaining an independent nation was held in Moldova on 6 March 1994. Initiated by President Mircea Snegur, it was referred to as a "Consultation with the people" (Romanian: La sfat cu poporul), and was approved by 97.9% of voters.

Question

Are you for the Republic of Moldova to develop as an independent and indivisible state within the borders recognized by the UN, to promote a policy of neutrality, to maintain mutually beneficial economic relations with any country and to guarantee all its citizens equal rights according to the norms of international law?

Legality issues

The referendum was organized by a specially created republican commission after the Central Elections Commission refused to become involved. However, its organization was in contravention of the 1992 referendums law, which stated that a referendum commission should have been formed by Parliament 60 days before the referendum, and no referendums should be held 90 days either side of elections (the parliamentary elections had been held a week earlier).

Results

Choice		Votes	%
For		1,722,602	97.92
Against		36,546	2.08
Total		1,759,148	100.00
Valid votes		1,759,148	97.28
Invalid/blank votes		49,146	2.72
Total votes		1,808,294	100.00
Registered voters/turnout		2,407,964	75.10
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Aftermath

Many public figures and much of the press presented the referendum as a strong blow to the movement for unification of Moldova and Romania in both countries, despite the fact that the question did not refer directly to Romania, but to independence. It also referred to territorial integrity, which was a main preoccupation due to the Transnistria conflict.

See also

• Moldovan neutrality