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?
A referendum on remaining an independent nation was held in Moldova on 6 March 1994.[1] 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.[2]
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?[a][3]
Legality issues
The referendum was organized by a specially created republican commission after the Central Elections Commission refused to become involved.[2] 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).[2]
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.
^Romanian: Sînteți pentru ca Republica Moldova să se dezvolte ca stat independent și integru în hotarele recunoscute de O.N.U., să promoveze o politică de neutralitate, să întrețină relații economice reciproc avantajoase, cu orice țară și să garanteze tuturor cetățenilor ei drepturi egale conform normelor de drept internațional?
