2002 Republic of the Congo constitutional referendum

2002 Republic of the Congo constitutional referendum
20 January 2002 (2002-01-20)
Results
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
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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

  1. ^ "Background Note: Republic of the Congo". United States Department of State. Retrieved 2009-07-13.
  2. ^ "African Elections Database". African Elections Database. Retrieved 2009-07-13.
  3. ^ "Election Profile". IFES Election Guide. Retrieved 2009-07-13.
  4. ^ a b c "Congo approves new constitution". BBC News Online. 2002-01-24. Retrieved 2009-07-13.
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