Part XVI — The Independence Referendum of September 21, 1991
64. The Decision to Hold a Referendum
The Armenian leadership decided to pursue independence through a formal referendum.
On March 1, 1991, the Supreme Council resolved to hold a referendum on withdrawal from the Soviet Union.
The vote was scheduled for September 21, 1991.
Armenia's approach was distinctive because its leaders sought to establish a legal basis for secession through the Soviet constitutional framework.
The United States Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe subsequently documented the referendum and its legal context.
CSCE+1
65. The Referendum Question
Armenian citizens were asked whether they agreed that the Republic of Armenia should be an independent democratic state outside the Soviet Union.
The referendum occurred during the final months of Soviet existence.
An attempted coup against Gorbachev in Moscow in August 1991 had accelerated the disintegration of central Soviet authority.
Several other Soviet republics were also moving toward independence.
Armenia's vote took place amid this historic transformation.
66. The Results of the Referendum
On September 21, 1991, Armenian voters overwhelmingly supported independence.
Official figures reported approximately 95% turnout, with roughly 99% of votes cast supporting independence. This was equivalent to approximately 94% of eligible voters voting in favor.
The result established a powerful democratic mandate for statehood.
International observers monitored the process, including representatives associated with the United States Helsinki Commission.
The referendum provided the political and legal foundation for Armenia's final declaration of independence.
67. September 23, 1991: The Formal Declaration
On September 23, 1991, the Supreme Council formally declared the Republic of Armenia an independent state.
The declaration followed directly from the referendum result.
This event marked the establishment of the Third Republic of Armenia.
The First Republic had existed from 1918 to 1920.
The Second Republic is commonly understood in Armenian historical periodization as Soviet Armenia.
The Third Republic began with the restoration of full independence in 1991.
The Armenian History Museum and official state records confirm the sequence of the 1990 declaration, the September 21 referendum, and the September 23 proclamation.
HMA+1
68. The Collapse of the Soviet Union
In December 1991, the Soviet Union formally dissolved.
Armenia joined other former Soviet republics in establishing new international relationships.
On December 21, Armenia participated in the Alma-Ata process associated with the Commonwealth of Independent States.
The dissolution of the USSR removed the remaining central Soviet structure that had previously limited Armenian sovereignty.
Armenia was now responsible for its own national government, armed forces, economic policy, international relations, and constitutional development.