Politics of the Northern Mariana Islands

A three-part referendum was held in the Northern Mariana Islands on 6 November 1993. Voters were asked whether they approved of two constitutional amendments regarding collective land ownership of native islanders and the veto powers of the Governor,[1][2] and whether a Constitutional Convention should be elected.[3] All three proposals were approved by voters.

Background

The referendum on electing a Constitutional Convention was held in accordance with the constitution, Chapter XVIII, article 2 of which required such a referendum to be held at least every 10 years.[3] The last such referendum had been held in 1983.

The two constitutional amendments had been approved by a three-quarter majority in both houses of the Legislature, and required only a simple majority of votes in the referendum to be approved.[1][2]

Aftermath

Following the approval of a Constitutional Convention, a 27-member Convention was formed in 1995 and proposed 19 amendments to the constitution.[3] They were all rejected in a 1996 referendum.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b Northern Mariana Islands, 6 November 1993: Collective land ownership for people of Northern Mariana origin Direct Democracy (in German)
  2. ^ a b Northern Mariana Islands, 6 November 1993: Veto right of the Governor Direct Democracy (in German)
  3. ^ a b c d Northern Mariana Islands, 6 November 1993: Election of a Constitutional Convention Direct Democracy (in German)
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