An independence referendum was held in Aruba on 25 March 1977.[1] In 1976 the Estates had approved a referendum on the island's status.[1] Voters were given the choice of independence or remaining in the Netherlands Antilles, with over 95% voting in favour of the former.[1] In 1983 the Treaty of The Hague planned independence for Aruba by 1996,[1][2] and the island seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986.[2] However, in 1994 the plan for full independence was scrapped.[1]