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The 1993 Narva and Sillamäe autonomy referendum was an unconstitutional referendum held on 16–17 July 1993 in Narva and Sillamäe in north-east Estonia, on whether to seek autonomy within the country.
Narva is a city in north-east Estonia, with strong historical and ethnic ties to Russia. [1] In 1993, ethnic Russians comprised about one third of Estonia's population of 1.6 million people. [2] Some Russian residents complained that planned Estonian laws would limit their political and civil rights. [2]
Voting took place from 16 to 17 July 1993, in Narva, Kohtla-Järve and Sillamäe. [3] The Chancellor of Justice of Estonia declared the referendum unconstitutional. [4]
In Narva, 97% voted in favour of autonomy on a turnout of 54%, and in Sillamäe 95% voted in favour from a turnout of 60%. [5]