Ukraine in Crisis, Part II: The Crimean Referendum

Part I | Part II | Part III

Counter protests appeared in Eastern Ukraine and particularly in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. Eventually this led to a referendum to determine the status of Crimea. Due to Crimea’s recent complicated political history this was a little bit difficult. The questions on the ballot paper were not a simple yes no.

Choice 1: Do you support the reunification of Crimea with Russia with all the rights of the federal subject of the Russian Federation?

Choice 2: Do you support the restoration of the Constitution of the Republic of Crimea in 1992 and the status of the Crimea as part of Ukraine?

Some commentators say that whatever way the Crimean people voted they would have independence from Ukraine. If the ballot paper had said something like:

Do you support the reunification of Crimea with Russia with all the rights of a federal subject of the Russian Federation?

Choice 1: Yes

Choice 2: No

If the referendum had been a simple yes/no I really do not think this crisis would have dragged on in the way it has. My understanding of international law is that an autonomous Republic has a right to self-determination - nothing for the international community to be upset about.

Part I | Part II | Part III