Wikipedia:Today's featured article/January 3, 2013

The State of Vietnam referendum held on 23 October 1955 determined the future form of government of the State of Vietnam, the nation that was to become South Vietnam. It was contested by Prime Minister Ngô Đình Diệm (pictured), who proposed a republic, and former emperor Bảo Đại, the head of state. Diệm won the election, which was widely marred by electoral fraud, with 98.2% of the vote. In the capital Saigon, Diệm was credited with more than 600,000 votes, although only 450,000 people were on the electoral roll. He accumulated tallies in excess of 90% of the registered voters, even in rural regions where opposition groups prevented voting. The referendum was the last phase in the power struggle between Bảo Đại and his prime minister. In the period leading up to the vote, campaigning for Bảo Đại was banned, while Diệm's election campaign used personal attacks against him, including pornographic cartoons and rumours that he was illegitimate. Bảo Đại was attacked by the government-controlled media, and police went door-to-door, warning people of the consequences of failing to vote. After his brother Ngô Đình Nhu successfully rigged the poll, Diệm proclaimed himself president. (Full article...)

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