The new constitution would see the country become part of the new French Community if accepted, or result in independence if rejected.
[1] Some members of the Democratic Rally of the Tahitian People (RDPT), which had been removed from power by Governor Camille Bailly [fr] in April 1958, backed a 'no' vote.
Government officials restricted campaigning by opponents of the new constitution, and in some outlying islands, voters were unaware that 'no' was an option.
However, Pacific Islands Monthly noted that it was thought by some that 'no' would have won had the RDPT been allowed to campaign properly.
[2] Following the referendum, there was civil unrest in the island of Tahiti, with RDPT supporters starting fires with molotov cocktails on 10–11 October.