MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands’ YES and NO results and possible consequences

Falkland Islanders in a massive concentration displaying the Union Jack (Photo: M. Short)

Next Sunday and Monday Falkland Islanders will be voting in a referendum and will be asked a very simple and direct question: “Do you wish the Falkland Islands to retain their current political status as an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom?”

The local Penguin News examines in simple terms the consequences of a Yes or No vote in the referendum on the political future of the Falkland Islands, which eventually, sometime along the road could lead to an ‘independence status’.

If the result of the vote is YES, the Falkland Islands Government will tell the British Government the Falkland Islands wish to remain a British Overseas Territory.

Likewise, at any point in the future the Falklands can review its status. The Yes vote still allows full independence or any other status that the Islanders choose as an option for the future.

If the YES vote wins but is not overwhelming it will be noted that a proportion of the Falkland Islanders are unhappy with the status quo; this will lend support to Argentine arguments to the United Nations.

If the result of the vote is NO, the Islanders will have made it clear they do not wish to remain a British Overseas Territory.

The Falkland Islands Government will be obliged to consult about what other options the Islanders might favour.

After a short time these other options will be the subject of another referendum.
A substantial NO vote would encourage the Argentine Government’s sovereignty claim.

This means a large NO vote would weaken the Falklands’ chances of attaining more independence some day.

Finally the relationship between the UK and the Falkland Islands, as with all its Overseas Territories, is based on the principles of self determination and autonomy while recognising mutual responsibility and a pledge of UK support when needed.

Where independence is the wish of the people, the UK Government will meet its obligation to help the Overseas Territory achieve this aim.

The Argentine’s government position on the Falkland Islands is that the Argentine Constitution is clear that the Argentine Government claims full sovereignty over the Falkland Islands.

‘The recovery of said territories and the full exercise of sovereignty, respectful of the way of life of their inhabitants and according to the principles of international law, are a permanent and unrelinquished goal of the Argentine people’.