Falkland Islanders To Vote In Referendum

By Ian Woods, Senior Correspondent, Falkland Islands

Falkland Islanders begin two days of voting today in a referendum to decide whether they want to stay British.

The question they have to answer is whether they want to remain an Overseas Territory of Britain, and there is likely to be a huge majority voting 'yes'.

Dr Barry Elsby, one of the members of the Falklands Legislative Assembly, told Sky News "We're looking for a very high turn out. People realise the importance of a high turn out because that is what is important. It is showing the world that the majority of the people here want to remain as we are. We don't want to become a colony of Argentina.

"We would like to send a message out to the world to say, look, we are a people. We do have our own views and those views should be listened to. And we hope at the end of this referendum process countries will stand up and say 'yes, we must listen to this democratic view of the people'."

But even those who plan to vote 'yes' doubt that Argentina's government will take any notice.

Owen Betts, who works in the fishing industry, said: "I don't think Argentina will (take notice), especially the government. Maybe some of the Argentine people may think differently, but I think the Argentine government are pretty hard headed and it's going to take a while to sink in."

The geography of the islands creates real challenges for making sure everyone who is eligible can vote.

Outside observers are being brought in to monitor the referendum

The Falklands are slightly bigger than Yorkshire, but most roads are unpaved so sometimes it can take hours to drive relatively short distances.

Some communities consist of little more than a few houses. So many people are unable to get to one of the few polling stations. So the polling stations will come to the people.

A fleet of 4x4 vehicles will crisscross the island visiting communities for around half an hour to allow people to put their votes in a ballot box. And for even more remote locations which cannot be reached by road, a plane will island-hop with a ballot box on board.

The reason two days of voting has been scheduled is in case the weather prevents the light aircraft taking off and landing.

An international group of election monitors, including some from South America will observe the referendum to make sure rules are followed.

Brad Smith, from the Referendum International Observation Mission, is aware of the importance of the vote.

"Because the spotlight is here internationally, this is a issue that plays way beyond the islands. We have to make sure that even in these very remote places, everybody has an opportunity to vote."

Islanders are expected to back remaining an Overseas Territory of Britain

And to try to ensure the ballot is beyond criticism the Falkland Islands government withdrew official observer status from a visiting British academic because they did not believe he was independent.

Professor Peter Willets, from City University, had given a speech in Stanley arguing that the islands could not remain an Overseas Territory, but needed to move to full self-government.

Some islanders agree that independence is the way forward and may vote 'no' in the referendum to signal their wishes.

But even some of the few Argentinian born residents of the Falklands, who spoke to Sky News on condition of anonymity, favoured retaining the links with the UK.

One man, who did want to be identified in case of anger from his homeland, said he felt the islands should remain British because of the wishes of the people who live there.

But for most people in Stanley today will be a celebration. A parade will be held in the afternoon, with cars festooned with Union Jacks and Falkland's flags driving in convoy through the streets.

And Neville Hayward will be showing off his new made-to-measure suit, delivered from London specially for the occasion. Jacket, trousers, waistcoat, bow-tie and shoes, all with the Union flag design.

He said: "We want to show the rest of the world that we want to remain British. Because we are British, it's our way of life. It's the only it's the only thing we know."

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