Northern Cameroons Referendum of 1959
In November 1959, the Northern Cameroons held a pivotal referendum to determine its political future. This vote was a critical step in the decolonization process, asking citizens to decide whether the region should integrate with Nigeria or delay a final determination on its status.
The 1959 Vote: Options and Outcomes
The referendum provided voters with two distinct choices: to enter into a union with Nigeria or to postpone the decision. The results indicated a clear preference for delaying the final transition, as a significant majority of the electorate opted for the latter.
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Voting Statistics
The election saw a high level of civic engagement, with a turnout of 87.89% from the registered voters. Out of 113,859 total votes cast, the vast majority were valid, with only 0.46% being blank or invalid.
| Choice | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Postpone decision | 70,546 | 62.25% |
| Union with Nigeria | 42,788 | 37.75% |
| Total Valid Votes | 113,334 | 99.54% |
Key Facts
- Date: November 1959.
- Primary Outcome: 62.25% of voters chose to postpone the decision.
- Voter Turnout: 87.89% of the 129,549 registered voters participated.
- Valid Votes: 113,334 votes were counted as valid.
- Subsequent Action: A second referendum was conducted in 1961.
Transition to the 1961 Referendum
Because the 1959 vote resulted in a decision to postpone, the question of sovereignty remained open. This led to a second referendum in 1961. Unlike the previous vote, the 1961 ballot offered a choice between joining Nigeria or joining Cameroon.
The outcome of the 1961 vote shifted significantly, with 60% of the population voting to join Nigeria and 40% voting to join Cameroon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the two choices in the 1959 referendum?
Voters could choose either to enter a union with Nigeria or to postpone the decision regarding their political status.
What was the result of the November 1959 vote?
The majority of voters, 62.25%, voted to postpone the decision.
How many people voted in the 1959 referendum?
A total of 113,859 votes were cast, representing a turnout of 87.89% of registered voters.
Did the Northern Cameroons eventually join Nigeria?
Yes, following a second referendum in 1961, 60% of voters chose to join Nigeria.
What happened to the 40% who voted against Nigeria in 1961?
The 40% of voters in the 1961 referendum expressed their preference to join Cameroon.