2012 status referendum Independence movement in Puerto Rico

the independence movement has not attracted wide support. in status referendum in 2012, had two-part vote, 5.5% voted independence. analysts noted results ambiguous because of issues related structure of questions , supporters of commonwealth status urging voters abstain voting on second question. journalist roque planas, co-founder of latin american news dispatch, wrote editor in huffington post:

similarly, reported new york daily news, juan gonzalez, journalist , co-host of tv show democracy now! said:

in october 2013, economist reported on island economy s dire financial straits. referring 2012 referendum, said puerto rico unlikely become state time soon. because island remains territory, decision out of boricuas’ hands...the legislature highly unlikely prioritise puerto rican statehood bill...the republican party surely use every tactic @ disposal block statehood bill, island voters have been overwhelmingly supportive of democratic party presidential candidates , expected vote same party congressional seats if statehood approved congress.

the washington post reported in december 2013 that, since puerto ricans became citizens in 1917, have been divided on relationship mainland on whether become state, become independent, or self-governing territory under control.