April 18, 2001. Copyright 2001. Graphic News. All rights reserved.

Referendum favours 1894 flag

LONDON, April 18, Graphic News: Mississippi voters opted decisively Tuesday to retain their state flag which prominently displays the Confederate battle emblem, seen by many Americans as a symbol of racism and slavery but hailed by supporters as a sign of southern pride.

With 94 percent of precincts counted, 456,113 voters, or 65 percent, favoured keeping the old flag and 246,220 voters, or 35 percent, voted for a new design.

Voters had two choices: keep the current 1894 flag with the Confederate battle emblem of 13 white stars on a blue cross, or adopt a new flag with 20 white stars on a blue square, denoting MississippiÕs role as the 20th state.

In recent years, Alabama, South Carolina and Georgia have either dropped or downgraded their use of the symbol.

It was the first time voters anywhere had a chance to decide the flag issue. Despite the emotive issue, both sides agreed the campaign had been orderly and civil.
/ENDS
Sources: Reuters, Associated Press