Georgia marks anniversary of 1991 independence referendum

On 31 March 1991, Georgia held a nationwide referendum on the restoration of state independence under the leadership of Zviad Gamsakhurdia.

Voters were asked whether they supported the restoration of Georgia’s independence based on the Act of 26 May 1918. According to official results, 98.9% of participants voted in favour.

The referendum saw broad participation across the country, including residents of currently Russian-controlled Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) regions. Of the 3,672,403 eligible voters, 3,295,493 supported independence.

The outcome paved the way for a formal declaration, and on 9 April 1991, the Supreme Council of Georgia officially proclaimed the restoration of Georgia’s state independence.

The referendum is widely regarded as a defining moment in Georgia’s modern history, marking the country’s transition away from Soviet rule.