Politics of Guam
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Background
The
Debate over political status
Maintenance of the status quo vis-à-vis the current political relationship between the territory and the United States is controversial. There is a significant movement in favor of the Territory becoming a
Competing movements exist, which advocate political independence from the United States, statehood, or a combination with the Northern Mariana Islands as a single territory (not necessarily commonwealth). Therese M. Terlaje, Speaker of the Legislature of Guam, indicated support in 2018 for holding a plebiscite to allow Guamians to vote for their favored political status.[1]
These proposals, however, are not seen as favorable by the U.S. federal government, which argues Guam does not have the financial stability or self-sufficiency to warrant such status. They cite Guam's increasing reliance on Federal spending as evidence, and question how commonwealth status or statehood would benefit the United States as a whole.[citation needed]
A portion of the people on Guam favors a modified version of the current Territorial status, involving greater autonomy from the federal government (similar to the autonomy of individual States). Perceived indifference by the U.S. Congress regarding a change-of-status petition submitted by Guam has led many to feel that the territory is being deprived of the benefits of a more equitable union with the United States.[citation needed]
Past referenda on political status
January 1982 status referendum
In January 1982, a referendum on Guam's status was held, with a 49.49% plurality of voters favoring
September 1982 status referendum
A second referendum with the two most popular options in the original vote (
Future referenda
In 2000, the Guam Legislature authorized the creation of a non-binding vote to allow native inhabitants of Guam to cast their votes in favor of statehood, a free association agreement, or outright independence from the United States. In 2017, Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood declared the proposal unconstitutional under the 15th Amendment.[2]
Political parties and elections
See also
References
- ^ Letman, Jon (November 17, 2018). "Historic Wave of Women Candidates Sweep to Power on Guam". Truthout. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
Terlaje sees achieving self-determination an urgent mandate, calling educating the public for a plebiscite "our biggest challenge, our most immediate challenge and one that we can actually accomplish. It's a goal that we can meet in two years, I think," expressing confidence that newly elected officials will fulfill promises to make a plebiscite a priority.
- ^ Limtiaco, Steve (March 8, 2023). "Guam back to the drawing board on political status vote". guampdn.com. Retrieved December 31, 2023.