1947 North-West Frontier Province referendum

The 1947 North-West Frontier Province referendum, held on July 6, was a significant plebiscite determining the future status of the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) in the context of the impending partition of British India. The referendum presented voters with a choice between joining the newly established Dominion of India or acceding to the newly independent Dominion of Pakistan. The political landscape was marked by tensions between various ethnic groups, including Pashtuns and Sikhs, leading to a deeply polarized atmosphere. The results revealed a clear majority favoring accession to Pakistan, with approximately 97% of voters opting for the latter. This outcome played a crucial role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of post-colonial South Asia.