A constitutional referendum was held in Western Samoa on 12 November 1990. Voters were asked whether they approved of the introduction of universal suffrage and a second chamber of Parliament. The first change was approved by 52.6% of voters, but the second opposed by 60.7%. Voter turnout was 74.3% for the first question and 73.7% for the second.[1]
1990 Western Samoan constitutional referendum
12 November 1990
Do you agree that every citizen of Western Samoa who has attained the age of 21 years is entitled to be registered to vote at any General Election or By-Election?
For
52.62%
Against
47.38%
Do you agree that there should be a second Assembly for Parliament to be called the Maota o le Aganuu comprising members from each of the eleven traditional divisions of Western Samoa, such members to be elected in accordance with custom and tradition?
For
39.32%
Against
60.68%
Although universal suffrage was introduced, candidates in elections still had to be part of the Matai.[2]
