ABSTRACT
The credibility of a plebiscite lies in its procedural mechanics. Most of the nineteenth century plebiscites were procedurally flawed. Plebiscites emerge out of the on-going process of diplomatic bargaining in much the same fashion as ceasefires, alliances, arbitration panels, wars, economic sanctions, and international organizations. The first tangible step toward the holding of a plebiscite is the creation of a small research commission to conduct an initial survey of the prospects for a plebiscite. The most immediate task of the research commission is the locating and safeguarding of local records that will be needed for the plebiscite. An assessment must be made of the impartiality and professionalism of the local civil administration and police force. Data must be collected on the ethnic, linguistic, religious, and economic patterns of the population in the area. A Plebiscite Commission has two paramount tasks: The conduct of the plebiscite itself and the administration of the plebiscite zone before and immediately after the vote.
