2023 Kaijan Status Referendum

2023 Kaijan Status Referendum

December 20, 2023 (2023-12-20)
North Kaijan: Do you believe there should be a change in the political status of Kaijan North Kaijan. South Kaijan: Do you believe there should be a change in the political status of Kaijan Island, including the provinces of North and South Kaijan?
Results
Choice Votes % Yes 1,686,107 63.88% No 953,216 36.12% Valid votes 2,639,323 100.00% Invalid or blank votes −83 0.00% Total votes 2,639,240 100.00% Registered voters/turnout 3,993,810 66.08%
Yes:      50–55%      55–65%      65–75%      75–90% No:      50–55%      55–65%      65-75%      75-90%

The 2023 Kaijan Status Referendum was a referendum in both North and South Kaijan provinces, the resolutions are identical and require 50% of those voting to approve it for it to pass. Although not legally binding, political leaders have stated that Kaijanese's staus would be discussed as the referendum was passed with over 60% approval.

Background

Since its founding Kaijan has had a significant independence movement with a particular high point being the aftermath of the Great War when Kaijan was briefly known as the Republic of Kaijan from 1971 to 1972 before the central government invaded it. Starting in 2020, an insurgent group known as the Kaijan League took control of some of North Kaijan Province. This group's demands and overwhelming sentiment for independence led to the passage of identical measures in both provinces' legislature via a signed proposition signed by 350,000 in North Kaijan and almost 700,000 in South Kaijan.

Text

The 2023 Rerefrendum was non-binding if passed experts suggest the central government could begin talks on status in 2024. Conservative thinkers such as Dennis Zhao have suggested the Referendum "holds no real political value and should be ignored". No province has ever ceded from Slokais, although attempts have been made such as the Northern Isles during the 1890s. The referendums although being passed by the same organization have differing texts in North and South Kaijan. In North Kaijan, the question is: "Do you believe there should be a change in the political status of Kaijan" while in South Kaijan the question is "Do you believe there should be a change in the political status of Kaijan Island, including the provinces of North and South Kaijan". The referendum is also written in English, Arabic, Spanish, and Slokasian provinces, with those in designated tribal areas being written in the local tribal language.

Campaign

The "Yes" campaign drew support from prominent Islamic thinkers, trade unions, human rights organizations, and state and local officials. The groups have argued that Kaijan has not benefited under the government of Slokais and that Kaijanese people would be better served by self-autonomy. The "No" campaign drew support from economists, the Minjian temple, and some federal political officials, these groups argue that Kaijan would be unsustainable on its own and need the military and economic support of Slokais, and Slokais Islands need the labor and raw materials of Kaijan. Additionally

Controversey

The governors of both North and South Kaijan have been called out for intentionally starting a push for voter registration right before the election. Turnout is usually low among youth and those in rural areas, and some have criticized these voter drives as political tools to inflate the "Yes" vote. Additionally, the South Kaijan Ministry of Transport has drawn criticism for operating new bus routes to polling locations and registration offices, with the move being seen as a state body taking a partisan stance on the Referendum.

Results

Results by Province

Province	Yes	%	No	%
North Kaijan	630,242	61.98%	389,851	38.21%
South Kaijan	1,055,928	65.20%	563,409	34.79%
Total	1,686,170	63.88%	953,260	36.12%

Results by Townships

Township	Yes	%	No	%
Kascan	28,741	72.80%	10,738	27.20%
Jeriolam	34,401	49.50%	35,096	50.50%
Kapangar	72,220	59.30%	49,851	40.70%
Kaijan City	418,064	61.10%	266,165	38.90%
Serikchan	40,602	76.50%	12,472	23.50%
Subyang	19,339	58.20%	13,928	41.80%
Tana'wana Tribal	3,543	88.80%	447	11.20%
Kar'oka Tribal	13,258	90.30%	1,424	9.70%
North Kaijan	630,242	61.98%	389,851	38.21%
Kubanglya	211,662	72.30%	81,093	27.20%
Jelbuya	397,409	66.10%	203,815	33.90%
Pendang	294,886	59.70%	199,047	40.30%
Serdunga	146,601	71.20%	59,299	28.80%
Harang'ko	5,390	21.10%	20,155	78.90%
South Kaijan	1,055,928	65.20%	563,409	34.79%
Total	1,686,170	63.88%	953,260	36.12%

Aftermath

The Referendum is considered a major victory for the Kaijanese independence movement as the referendum at the very least signals the majority of Kaijan's support for some agreement between the mainland and Kaijan. Brooke Weasley praised the results of the election calling it "a show of democracy and the Slokaisian process" and promises to hold talks in Early 2024 with "major stakeholders". Prime Minister Joseph Chavez has also signaled his participation and willingness to hold talks in a joint statement from the Greens and National Alliance. In March 2024, talks were agreed to be held in June in the coastal town of Newport within Valleres Province with the governments of North and South Kaijan and the Office of the President. A conference has also been planned by Spartacus Jones and various Kaijanese armed organzations although the date and time are unknown.