West Samoa
p. 22 · Read in the full issue
Says Yes
West Samoa on May 9 voted over whelmingly for her new Constitution, and for independence next January 1.
TOOTING was at the UN-supervised 1 , Plebiscite. Full figures still had to be announced as this issue of PIM went to press, but an early report gave the voting on the second ques tion, that of independence, as 26 766 for independence, 4,666 against, and 2,645 informal. 28,151 endorsed the Constitution and 4,453 were against.
The overwhelming Yes vote was ex pected, as there was only weak and unorganised opposition to the Yes campaign. Opposition was mainly centered around Apia.
Apia Broadcasting Station 2AP gave air time for debates, but only supporters of the Yes vote took ad vantage of the privilege.
Of 110,000 inhabitants of Western Samoa, some 46,000 were entitled to vote, and only 38,000 of these were registered. It was possible for those not registered to vote if they applied at any of the 150 polling booths.
Voting day was a public holiday.
Complete results were not expected to be available until May 19.