The referendum was initiated after diplomatic tension between Britain and Argentina were at their lowest, and exactly 30 years after Argentina's former dictator Leopoldo Galtieri ordered an ill-conceived invasion of the Islands, that sparked a swift and robust military response from former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to regain the Islands.

The referendum was conducted by an Internationally recognized group of observers, "Referendum International Observation Mission," headed by Brad Smith and his deputy Juan Manuel Henao.

In a statement after the results were announced, Smith said the referendum process was, "free and fair," and reflected the will of the voters of the Falkland Islands. He said his team of observers concluded the voting process was conducted in accordance with international standards and local laws.

The team was made up of ten members from six different countries, "with no political alliances," from North, Central and South America and the South Pacific.