President highlights significance of Georgia's independence referendum anniversary

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili on Monday celebrated the 33rd anniversary of a pivotal moment in the country's modern history - the referendum on the restoration of the country's independence.

In his statement, Kavelashvili noted that this was a historic step toward realising Georgia’s centuries-old aspiration to restore and build a free and independent state, shaping the country’s future.

“Today marks one of the most significant dates in Georgia’s modern history - the day of the referendum on the restoration of our country’s independence”, the President said.

He further highlighted the key figure in this historic process - Georgia’s first President Zviad Gamsakhurdia, who would have turned 86 today.

“March 31 stands as a symbol of our homeland’s unity and national dignity”, Kavelashvili added.

“This day reminds us that state independence is our most valuable achievement, and protecting it is the daily responsibility of each and every one of us. Georgia continues its steadfast path toward strengthening independence and sovereignty. Glory to a free and independent Georgia!”, the President concluded.

The referendum held on March 31, 1991, posed the question: “Do you agree to the restoration of Georgia's state independence based on the Act of May 26, 1918?”.

An overwhelming majority of voters answered in the affirmative. Out of 3,672,403 eligible voters, 3,295,493 voted in favor of restoring Georgia's state independence.

Subsequently, on April 9th, the Supreme Council adopted the Act of Independence of Georgia. The final results of the referendum were officially published on April 5, 1991.