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Albania • Politicsportal |
A referendum on restoring the monarchy was held in Albania on 29 June 1997 alongside parliamentary elections. [1] The proposal was rejected by 66.7% of voters. [2] However, former Crown Prince Leka claimed that 65.7% voted in favour. [3]
Choice | Votes | % | |
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For | 450,478 | 33.25 | |
Against | 904,359 | 66.75 | |
Total | 1,354,837 | 100.00 | |
Valid votes | 1,354,837 | 95.20 | |
Invalid/blank votes | 68,372 | 4.80 | |
Total votes | 1,423,209 | 100.00 | |
Registered voters/turnout | 1,986,550 | 71.64 | |
Source: Direct Democracy |
The House of Zogu never accepted the official result of the referendum. After the publication of the result by the Central Election Commission of Albania, during the 1997 rebellion in Albania, Leka returned again, this time being greeted by 2,000 supporters. [4]
After a recount it was announced that the restoration was rejected by approximately two-thirds of those voting. [5] The former Crown Prince questioned the independence of the election. Police intervened, gunfire broke out, one person was killed, and Leka fled.
On 30 November 2011, the former crown prince died, his son (Leka II) succeeding him as pretender to the defunct throne. That month, Prime Minister Sali Berisha questioned whether there was vote manipulation in the referendum, stating that "The referendum was held under the flares of a communist rebellion and cannot be considered a closed issue." [6]
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Geraldine was Queen of the Albanians from her marriage to King Zog I on 27 April 1938 until King Zog was deposed on 7 April of the following year.
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Leka, Crown Prince of Albania, was the only son of King Zog I and Queen Geraldine of Albania. He was called Crown Prince Skander at birth. Leka was the pretender to the Albanian throne and was referred to as King Leka I.
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