2009 Mahoran status referendum

[3] It is believed that one-third of the population consists of illegal immigrants, mostly from the neighboring, impoverished Comoros islands.

[3] Continued political union with France has allowed Mayotte to remain relatively prosperous, at least by regional standards,[3] compared to the independent Comoros.

The Comoros, which has suffered from economic and political instability since its independence, continues to claim Mayotte as part of its territory.

[3] All of Mayotte's major political parties and politicians, including the General Council President Ahmed Attoumani Douchina, supported the "yes" campaign.

Public opinion polls leading up to the referendum showed strong support for closer political union from the vast majority of Mayotte's citizens, and the "yes" campaign was expected to win by a wide margin.

[2] The imam of Mamoudzou, Mayotte's capital city, campaigned strongly against the referendum due to the expected abolition of polygamy with a "yes" victory.

Women did not have equal inheritance rights in Mayotte,[3] which was later modified to comply with the French justice system.

[3] As a department, Mayotte became eligible for expanded French social and economic programs, as well as European Union funds.

[2] Instead, social service benefits were gradually extended to Maorais citizens over a period of 20 years, until they are equal to those enjoyed in metropolitan France.