1977 Andorran political reform referendum

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A referendum on political reforms was held in Andorra on 28 October 1977. [1] Voters were presented with six options, [2] but none received a majority and over 30% of votes cast were left blank. A second referendum on political reform was held the following year.

Contents

Background

In February 1977, the General Council and the Co-Princes agreed to political reforms, putting forward six options to voters: [1]

ProposalProposed byDetails
1General Council
  • Prime Minister elected by the General Council
  • Prime Minister appoints Deputy Prime Minister and four Ministers
  • Motions of no confidence possible
2General Council
  • Prime Minister directly elected
  • Prime Minister appoints Deputy Prime Minister and four Ministers
  • Motions of no confidence results in fresh elections
  • Each parish to have 8 seats in the General Council
3General Council
  • 16 Council members elected nationally and two by each parish
  • Bicameral Council elects six-member government
  • Motions of no confidence results in fresh elections
4Comú de la Massana
  • Increase number of parishes from six to seven
  • Each parish to have 4 seats in the Council
  • Parishes guaranteed seats in government
  • Motions of no confidence results in fresh elections
5Quart de Les Escaldes
  • Increase number of parishes from six to seven
  • Each parish to have 4 seats in the Council
  • Prime Minister directly elected
  • Parishes not guaranteed seats in government
  • Motions of no confidence results in fresh elections
6Democratic Agrupament d'Andorra
  • General Council elected by proportional representation with regional lists
  • Prime Minister directly elected
  • Prime Minister appoints Deputy Prime Minister and four Ministers
  • Parishes not guaranteed seats in government

Results

ChoiceVotes%
Proposal 1281.46
Proposal 2412.14
Proposal 3130.68
Proposal 41739.04
Proposal 539320.54
Proposal 666834.92
None of the above59731.21
Total1,913100.00
Valid votes1,91398.76
Invalid/blank votes241.24
Total votes1,937100.00
Registered voters/turnout3,20660.42
Source: Direct Democracy

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References

  1. 1 2 Andorra, 28 October 1977: Political reforms Direct Democracy (in German)
  2. Charlotte C. L. Wagenaar (2020). "Lessons from International Multi-Option Referendum Experiences". The Political Quarterly. 91 (1): 192–202.