REFERENDUM: A LESSON IN ELECTORAL TURNOUT
Mrs Sarah Clement, a local Stanley resident on her experience of the Referendum said: “The Referendum was one of the truly most significant points in my life. Since I can remember ‘82 has dominated my thoughts, pushed me to make the most of my life, be I hope, a good person, striving for the very best for my family. I think all Falkland Islanders are the same, it comes with the pride we all feel for the place we live and love, along with the respect and gratitude for what so many did for our future and that of our children. I shared the referendum with my daughter, a special moment marked down in history, stood side by side waiting; the atmosphere was electric and the result a confident reminder of who we are and who we want to remain. A great time that she will carry for ever, the day we told the world nothing’s changed, we are British and proud!”
As the statement highlighted from the Chief Referendum Officer indicates, with 55 members of the international press present, there was considerable scrutiny of the counting process in Stanley Town Hall. This only served to reinforce the presence of the eight external observers.
The turnout figure of 92% was very significant compared to global averages, though the Islands generally enjoy a high level of political engagement in general elections, with turnout being around the 75% mark on average. The observer mission reviewed campaigning leading up to the referendum itself and
Above and below: Election Observers at the Falkland Islands Referendum came from a number of countries including the USA, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Uruguay and New Zealand.
concluded that it was done in an open and transparent manner with both ‘Yes’ and
194 | The Parliamentarian | 2015: Issue Three
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