2002 Republic of the Congo constitutional referendum|
|
|
Choice
|
Votes
|
%
|
| Yes
|
1,113,955
|
87.83%
|
| No
|
154,375
|
12.17%
|
| Valid votes
|
1,268,330
|
96.21%
|
| Invalid or blank votes
|
49,908
|
3.79%
|
| Total votes
|
1,318,238
|
100.00%
|
| Registered voters/turnout
|
1,701,415
|
77.48%
| |
| Source: African Elections Database |
A constitutional referendum was held in the Republic of the Congo on 20 January 2002, with results showed over 87% voted in favour with a voter turnout of 77.5%.
Background
The proposed new constitution would make the country a presidential republic. It had been written in 2001 and approved by a National Transitional Council in 2002 before being put to a referendum.[1] Changes from the old constitution increased presidential terms to seven years and abolished the post of Prime Minister.[2] It established a bicameral legislature and instituted several requirements in order to be able to stand for President.[3]
The government described the referendum as paving the way for elections and welcomed the results.[4] However the opposition urged that voters boycott the referendum as they said that the new constitution would give too much power to the President.[4] Human rights groups said that the referendum, which took place without international observers, had seen irregularities.[4]
Results
| Choice
|
Votes
|
%
|
| For |
1,113,955 |
87.83
|
| Against |
154,375 |
12.17
|
| Invalid/blank votes |
49,908 |
-
|
| Total |
1,318,238 |
100
|
| Source: African Elections Database
|
References
External links