1707 Vegno Annexation Referendum
| Do you want to become part of the Republic of Vegno? | ||||
| Results | ||||
| Votes | % | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YES | 717.241 | 78.05% | ||
| NO | 201.721 | 21.95% | ||
| Valid votes | 918.962 | 99.32% | ||
| Invalid votes | 6.276 | 0.68% | ||
| Total votes | 925.238 | 100% | ||
The Referendum for the Annexation of the Internal Territories of Vegno is a popular plebiscite, organized by the Government of Vegno, to ratify the will of the population of the aforementioned territories to be part of the Republic of Vegno.
It took place in 5/1707 AN, and it is one of the most important events in the History of Vegno. It saw the victory of the YES, with 68% of the preferences and 83% of those entitled to vote.
It saw the victory of the SI, with 78% of the preferences and 83% of those entitled to vote.
With the result of this referendum, Vegno annexes the territories between Vegno, Angsax and Lac Glacei, which therefore officially become part of the Republic of Vegno.
Background
Vegno declared its independence in 1705 and was internationally recognized only in 1706 AN.
However, the territories included in the declaration of independence were limited: they had as their limit the end of the regions of Mhazar-Campoasciutto, Buonriposo and Largoprato.
In fact, the 7 founding fathers of the Republic had left out a good portion of the territories between Vegno and the nations of Lac Glacei and Angsax, to avoid diplomatic problems.
Once the independence of Vegno was recognized, the representatives of the previously appointed territories asked the Government to become part of the Republic.
The Government of Vegno launched a parliamentary consultation in 1707, which resulted in the organization of this referendum to ratify the true popular will for 5/1707 AN.
Position of the Vegno Political Forces
The Vegnesi political forces that make up the government tend to agree with the creation of the referendum and their position is certainly inclined towards the YES.
one exception is represented by I Verdi - Peppe Freeda which, despite being part of the government as a minister, openly sided with the NO, claiming to leave independence to these territories, and who, like Vegno, have the right to the constitution of a their republic.
The position of the Partito Nazionalista Vegnese was radical, which instead had even insisted in parliament for a military action for the annexation of the aforementioned territories, before the possible expansion of the neighboring Lac Glacei and Angsax in formally Vegnese territories. This hard punch, however, was mitigated by the more moderate forces in the government, Forza Vegno and the Partito Democratico Costituzionale, which still hold the presidency of the republic and the council of ministers. Finally, it was therefore decided to proceed to a popular referendum for those populations concerned, despite their important will of the YES.
Local Disputes
Most of the population of the involved territories seemed to agree with the entry inside Vegno, however protests were not absent.
In fact many people took to the streets during 1707 AN, to protest against the referendum and pushing for the NO to this popular plebiscite; the slogan used by this part of population was "Non Rubateci il Futuro" (Don't Steal our Future), meaning that they must be an indipendent part of Apollonia, and become an indipendent state as well, not joining Vegno.
The protests were in some cases very heated in the days of the consultations, so much so as to require the intervention of the Vegnesi armed forces to keep calm in the areas used for voting. In order to guarantee public order, an accessory body of auxiliary police was created by the Vegnese Ministry of Interior (Vegno).
Results
At the end of the counting, despite considerable protests by a slice of the local population, the turnout was very large, even reaching 83% of those entitled to vote. The victory of the YES was overwhelming with 78% of the preferences, with the result that these territories officially become part of the Republic of Vegno, as part of previous regions or as totally new regions.
1707 Vegno Annexation Referendum | |||
| Choice | Votes | 83% of entitled | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | 717.241 | 78,05% | |
| No | 201.721 | 21,95% | |
| Valid votes | 925.238 | 99,32% | |
| Invalid or blank votes | 6.276 | 0,68% | |
| Total votes | 925.238 | 100% | |
Reaction to the Results
Political Reactions
Antonio Visciglia, President of the Republic of Vegno, issued a statement following the referendum, in which she said that it was "a result that all of us in Vegno will respect" and that we would support all efforts to "work constructively for the future of this Land and indeed all parts of this country".
Prime Minister Luca "Lo Zar" Zarrella said he was "delighted" with the result, adding: "it would have broken my heart to see our people not joining officially Vegno and I know that this sentiment was shared not just by people across our country but also around the world".
Shalva Mancuso, the Ministry of Interior (Vegno) and leader of the PPV, stated that he accepted the "verdict of the people" and called the referendum a "triumph for the democratic process and for participation in politics", saying that "for me as leader my time is nearly over but for Vegno the campaign continues and the dream shall never die".
Citizens Reactions
After the official result, the protests against the annexation to Vegno disappeared and were indeed replaced by numerous celebrations in the square in favor of the result of the referendum.
In many squares of the cities of Villamagna, Lanino and Crati, processions were organized to celebrate the overwhelming victory of the YES and the official entry into the Republic of Vegno.
