Faroese independence referendum, 1946

In the Faroese referendum on September 14, 1946 voted on the future status of the country as part of Denmark or detachment from Denmark. A slight majority of 5660 against 5499 votes voted for Option 2 (independence ); However, there was no absolute majority for the 481 invalid votes. The turnout was 67.5 %. The Danish government and the opposition of the Løgtinges did not recognize the referendum. As a compromise the autonomy of the Faroe Islands in 1948 decided.

Prehistory

During the British occupation of the Faroe Islands in World War II, the link between the islands and Copenhagen was canceled, and the islands were virtually self- governing under the Faroese bodies. The long existing Faroese independence movement was growing support.

Iceland in 1918, a sovereign kingdom in personal union with Denmark, but called after a referendum in 1944 as Republic of.

Plebiscite

On 9 May 1946, the Løgting approved a referendum that took place on September 14 of the year.

On the ballot were two response options:

This ballot was enforced against the resistance of Fólkaflokkurin, which assumed that the total separation option was not majority support and practical. She argued for an expanded autonomy. As now firmly focused on the choice, they appealed to the people to make the ballot invalid by write down "No" in response Option 1. The result of invalid ballots shows the success of this call for a boycott, of course, was considered by the supporters as yet clear vote against the government's proposal.

Outcome of the referendum

Effects

Denmark refused to recognize the referendum and dismissed the Faroe not to independence, but entered into negotiations. Finally, the large degree of autonomy granted autonomy law of 31 March 1948. This status was in 1953 also laid down in the revised Danish Constitution. The nation of the Faroes was so recognized under international law. Of course, there is still need for interpretation in some aspects of bilateral relations with Denmark.