On December 10, 1991, the independence referendum of Artsakh Republic (Nagorno-Karabakh) became a historic milestone, symbolizing a day of remembrance, hope, and respect for the unwavering resolve of its people to exercise their right to self-determination.
The referendum was held across the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region, the adjacent Shahumyan District, and part of the Goygol District of the Azerbaijani SSR. The Azerbaijani population, comprising approximately 20% of the region’s residents, boycotted the process.
The organization and execution of the referendum adhered to the “Temporary Regulation on Conducting a Referendum in the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic,” which required at least two-thirds of the votes in favor and a minimum voter turnout of 50% for the decision to be considered valid.
The ballots were printed in three languages—Armenian, Azerbaijani, and Russian—and included one question:
“Do you agree that the proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh Republic should be an independent state, freely determining the forms of cooperation with other states and associations?”
Independent observers monitored the voting process, confirming that it was conducted in compliance with the laws in force at the time and reflected the will of the population. Observers were present at all 30 polling stations throughout the Republic, and their findings were documented in an official act.
The referendum garnered significant international media attention. Journalists and correspondents from prominent outlets such as Radio Russia, Echo of Moscow, Izvestia, Le Quotidien de Paris, France-Presse, and television networks from the United States, Bulgaria, and Russia traveled to Nagorno-Karabakh to report on the event.
The results of the referendum underscored the unified voice of the population:
Yes: 108,615 votes (99.01%)
No: 1,088 votes (0.99%)
Voter turnout: 82.90%
Today, the 1991 Nagorno-Karabakh referendum is remembered as a defining moment in the region’s history. It reaffirmed the people’s determination to declare independence and establish their statehood, serving as a lasting testament to their resilience and aspiration for self-governance.
