2002 Saint Helena referendum

21 January – 1 February 2002 (2002-01-21 – 2002-02-01)
[_] I WOULD LIKE to have an airport on St Helena, with alternative arrangements being made for shipping. [_] I WOULD NOT LIKE to have an airport but would like to have a replacement RMS St Helena.
Results
Choice Votes % Airport 1,577 71.58% New ship 626 28.42% Valid votes 2,203 99.41% Invalid or blank votes 13 0.59% Total votes 2,216 100.00% Registered voters/turnout 4,473 49.54%

A referendum on building a new airfield or replacing RMS St Helena was held in Saint Helena between 21 January and 1 February 2002.^[1] Around 72% voted in favour of the airport, although critics claimed that the referendum was slanted in favour of this option.^[2]

RMS St Helena was the island's only connection with the outside world, but required replacing at an estimated cost of £26 million. The cost of the alternative option of a new airport was estimated at £50 million. The island's Executive Council initially rejected holding a referendum, but agreed to do so on 8 January 2002.^[1]

All Saint Helena citizens aged over 16 and based in Saint Helena, Ascension Island, the Falkland Islands and on board RMS St Helena were eligible to vote.^[1] Voters were given the options:

• I WOULD LIKE to have an airport on St Helena, with alternative arrangements being made for shipping.
• I WOULD NOT LIKE to have an airport but would like to have a replacement RMS St Helena.