1938 Romanian constitutional referendum|
|
King Carol II signing the new constitution |
|
Choice
|
Votes
|
%
|
| Yes
|
4,297,581
|
99.87%
|
| No
|
5,483
|
0.13%
|
| Valid votes
|
4,303,064
|
100.00%
|
| Invalid or blank votes
|
0
|
0.00%
|
| Total votes
|
4,303,064
|
100.00%
|
|
A constitutional referendum was held in Romania on 24 February 1938 to approve a new constitution granting dictatorial powers to King Carol II.[1] Voting was done by answering yes or no before an election bureau, with silence marked as yes. Voting was compulsory, and the amendments were approved by 99.87% of voters.[1] The voting process has been described as deeply flawed and characterized by widespread intimidation.[2]
Background
The proposed changes to the constitution included:[1]
- Giving the King the power to legislate and sole power to amend the constitution
- Making the government solely responsible to the King
- Allowing the King to dissolve Parliament at any time and rule by decree
- Limiting the Parliament to bringing in laws in the "national interest"
- Making the second chamber 50% appointed by the King and the remainder from professional organisations
- Raising the voting age from 21 to 30
- Prohibiting "revolutionary propaganda"
Results
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|
| For | 4,297,581 | 99.87 |
| Against | 5,483 | 0.13 |
| Total | 4,303,064 | 100.00 |
|
| Valid votes | 4,303,064 | 100.00 |
|---|
| Invalid/blank votes | 0 | 0.00 |
|---|
| Total votes | 4,303,064 | 100.00 |
|---|
| Source: Direct Democracy |
References