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

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. "Congo approves new constitution". BBC News Online . 2002-01-24. Retrieved 2009-07-13.

External links

• Results by region