Plans to hold a nonbinding referendum on Puerto Rico’s political status have sparked controversy due to its $1.3 million cost. The referendum, scheduled for the Nov. 5 general elections, will offer three choices: independence with free association, statehood, and independence. The order of options was determined through a televised drawing supervised by judges at Puerto Rico’s elections commission.
Despite the referendum's outcome, the island’s status will remain unchanged, as any alteration would require approval from the U.S. Congress and the U.S. president. The elections commission, originally allocated $6.2 million for the upcoming elections, received an additional $1.3 million for the referendum.
Critics argue that the referendum is an unjustified expense given Puerto Rico's recent financial crisis, stemming from mismanagement, corruption, and excessive borrowing. The Puerto Rican Independence Party has taken legal action to challenge the referendum, with the island’s Supreme Court agreeing to hear the case.
Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi, a pro-statehood advocate, announced the referendum following his party primary loss. He has emphasized the lack of equality for the island’s 3.2 million U.S. citizens, who are unable to vote in U.S. general elections.
The referendum follows six previous votes on Puerto Rico’s political status, with the most recent in 2020 resulting in 53% of voters supporting statehood. However, only half of registered voters participated in that year’s general elections.
Political dynamics in Puerto Rico are intertwined with the island’s status, with both Democrats and Republicans present in various parties. The upcoming referendum has drawn attention to the ongoing debate over Puerto Rico’s future political relationship with the United States.
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