1993 Narva and Sillamäe autonomy referendum

The 1993 Narva and Sillamäe autonomy referendum was an unconstitutional referendum held on 16–17 July 1993 in Narva and Sillamäe in north-east Estonia, on whether to seek autonomy within the country.

1993 Narva and Sillamäe autonomy referendum
16–17 July 1993

Background

Narva is a city in north-east Estonia, with strong historical and ethnic ties to Russia.[1] In 1993, ethnic Russians comprised about one third of Estonia's population of 1.6 million people.[2] Some Russian residents complained that planned Estonian laws would limit their political and civil rights.[2]

Results

Voting took place from 16 to 17 July 1993, in Narva, Kohtla-Järve and Sillamäe.[3] The Chancellor of Justice of Estonia declared the referendum unconstitutional.[4]

In Narva, 97% voted in favour of autonomy on a turnout of 54%, and in Sillamäe 95% voted in favour from a turnout of 60%.[5]

References
  1. Upadhyay, Archana (2017). "Borderland Geopolitics in Estonia: The Case of "Narva" – the Russian Majority Enclave". World Affairs: The Journal of International Issues. Kapur Surya Foundation. 23 (3): 160–169. JSTOR 48531360.
  2. Tarm, Michael (16 July 1993). "Russians in Northeastern Estonia Vote on Autonomy". Associated Press. Retrieved 19 June 2021.
  3. Simson, Priit (19 July 2013). "The little Russia that wanted to break away". Voxeurop. Tallinn. Retrieved 19 June 2021.
  4. Efron, Sonni (18 July 1993). "Russia, Estonia Keep Eye on City's Autonomy Vote". Los Angeles Times. Narva. Retrieved 19 June 2021.
  5. Bridge, Adrian (18 July 1993). "Estonia's ethnic Russians reject Tallinn rule". The Independent. Archived from the original on 2022-05-01. Retrieved 19 June 2021.
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