A referendum on sovereignty was held in the Crimean Oblast of the Ukrainian SSR on 20 January 1991.[1] Voters were asked whether they wanted to re-establish the Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, which had been abolished in 1945. The proposal was approved by 94% of voters.
Background
The Crimean ASSR was originally created in 1921, as part of the Russian SFSR in the Soviet Union.[2] Crimea was invaded by Nazi Germany during World War II, and when the region was reclaimed by the USSR in 1944, the Crimean Tatars, Armenians, Bulgarians and Greeks were deported to central Asia under the pretext of alleged collaboration with the German occupiers.[3] [4] The ASSR was abolished and Crimea became an oblast.[5] On 5 February 1954 it was transferred to the Ukrainian SSR.[5]
Results
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| For | 1,343,825 | 94.30 |
| Against | 81,254 | 5.70 |
| Invalid/blank votes | 15,910 | – |
| Total | 1,441,019 | 100 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 1,770,841 | 81.37 |
| Source: KIA News | ||
Aftermath
Following the referendum, the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union passed the law "On Restoration of the Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialistic Republic" on 12 February.[1] It became part of the independent Ukraine later in the year.
References
- ^ a b Crimean Tatars: Reflections On “Autonomy” Day UNPO
- ^ Sergei Lavrov defends Russia's position on Ukraine Euronews, 3 March 2014
- ^ Online Encyclopedia of Mass Violence. "Sürgün: The Crimean Tatars' deportation and exile - Online Encyclopedia of Mass Violence". Massviolence.org. Retrieved 2014-02-27.
- ^ To understand Crimea, take a look back at its complicated history The Washington Post, 27 February 2014
- ^ a b Maria Drohobycky (1995) Crimea: Dynamics, Challenges and Prospects, Rowman & Littlefield, p40