Nagorno-Karabakh Referendum: 99.9% Vote for Independence Amid Azerbaijani Boycott
Overwhelming vote for independence lacks international recognition as war intensifies around the region
STEPANAKERT, Nagorno-Karabakh - In a referendum boycotted by the region’s Azerbaijani population, 99.9% of voters approved Nagorno-Karabakh’s independence, with turnout exceeding 82% despite ongoing military attacks.
The vote, conducted as artillery shells fell on several towns, saw 132,328 people cast ballots from an eligible electorate of approximately 161,000. Only 33 voters opposed independence, with 164 ballots declared invalid.
“The people have spoken with one voice,” declared referendum commission chairman Vladik Khachatryan. “Despite war and blockade, democracy triumphs. Nagorno-Karabakh is an independent republic by the will of its people.”
The referendum asked a single question: “Do you agree that the proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh Republic should be an independent state?” Voting proceeded despite Azerbaijani shelling that killed two people in Martuni district.
Democratic Theater
International observers, limited to representatives from Armenia and the Armenian diaspora, praised the voting process while acknowledging obvious limitations. The complete Azerbaijani boycott undermines claims of democratic legitimacy.
“You can’t have self-determination when 25% of the pre-war population is excluded or expelled,” noted Dr. Susan Allen, a specialist in international law. “This referendum reflects military realities, not democratic ideals.”
The Azerbaijani government declared the referendum illegal and void. “Occupiers voting on occupied land have no legitimacy,” stated Foreign Ministry spokesman Hafiz Pashayev. “This circus changes nothing.”
Wartime Voting
The referendum’s wartime context shaped its conduct. In frontline villages, residents voted in basements and bunkers. Election officials wore military uniforms. Ballot boxes were transported in armored vehicles.
“I voted between artillery strikes,” said Karine Sargsyan in Martakert. “My son is at the front, my house is damaged, but I came to vote for his future.”
The determination to vote despite danger became a point of pride. Stories spread of elderly villagers walking hours to polling stations, of wounded soldiers voting from hospital beds.
International Rejection
No recognized country sent observers or indicated forthcoming recognition. The UN, OSCE, and European Community reiterated support for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity while calling for peaceful resolution.
“Unilateral declarations and referendums cannot change international law,” stated OSCE spokesman Andreas Gross. “Nagorno-Karabakh remains part of Azerbaijan until a negotiated agreement states otherwise.”
This diplomatic isolation forces the self-proclaimed republic into complete dependence on Armenia, which provides everything from military support to basic supplies. The economic blockade by Azerbaijan and Turkey makes independence more aspiration than reality.
Military Escalation
The referendum coincided with intensified fighting as both sides sought to create facts before potential international intervention. Armenian forces launched offensives to expand territory while Azerbaijan attempted to split the region.
“They vote while occupying our lands,” charged Azerbaijani military spokesman Ramiz Malikov. “Each ballot is stained with the blood of expelled Azerbaijanis.”
The vote hardens positions on both sides. For Armenians, the overwhelming result provides democratic legitimacy for continued struggle. For Azerbaijan, it represents illegal occupation requiring military solution.
Historical Precedent
Referendum organizers cited international precedents - Slovenia, Croatia, the Baltic states - where independence referendums preceded recognition. Critics note these cases involved existing republics, not disputed regions.
“We follow the same path as others breaking from collapsing empires,” argued Nagorno-Karabakh “foreign minister” Armen Sargsyan. “Recognition will come as military realities force diplomatic adjustment.”
Life Under Siege
Despite the referendum’s symbolic importance, daily life remains shaped by war. Stepanakert lacks regular electricity, water, and heating. Food shortages worsen as winter deepens. The celebration of democratic expression contrasts with military necessity.
“Independence means nothing if we’re starving,” admitted one voter privately. “We need victory, not votes.”
Future Uncertain
As results are announced to cheering crowds in Stepanakert’s damaged central square, the republic’s future remains precarious. International law supports Azerbaijan, military facts favor Armenia, and civilians suffer regardless.
“This referendum is political theater,” concludes regional analyst Thomas de Waal. “The real referendum is being conducted with rifles and artillery. Until that vote is concluded, papers and ballots mean little.”
The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic now has democratic mandate from its remaining population but no international standing. Its independence depends not on referendum results but on Armenian military success and eventual exhaustion of all parties.
Tonight Stepanakert celebrates democracy while preparing for siege. The 99.9% vote reflects unity born of desperation - when faced with return to Azerbaijani rule after years of conflict, even war seems preferable. The ballot asked about independence, but voters really chose continued resistance whatever the cost.