May 1990 Colombian Constitutional Assembly referendum

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May 1990 Colombian Constitutional Assembly referendum
Flag of Colombia.svg
27 May 1990

To strengthen participatory democracy, do you vote for the convocation of a Constitutional Assembly with representation of the social, political and regional forces of the nation, democratically and popularly integrated to reform the Political Constitution of Colombia?
Results
Choice
Votes %
Check-71-128-204-brightblue.svgYes5,236,86395.79%
Light brown x.svgNo230,0804.21%
Valid votes5,466,94392.80%
Invalid or blank votes424,1747.20%
Total votes5,891,117100.00%
Registered voters/turnout13,903,32442.37%

A referendum on electing a Constitutional Assembly was held in Colombia on 27 May 1990 alongside presidential elections. [1] The proposal was approved by 96% of voters. [1] A Constitutional Assembly was later elected in December 1990 and produced the 1991 constitution.

Contents

Background

After the murder of presidential candidate Luis Carlos Galán in August 1989, students started a movement calling for a referendum "for peace and democracy" to be held on 21 January 1990. [2] However, under pressure from drug cartels, the government rejected the proposal. The students then set up the "We can still save Colombia" movement, which called for a referendum alongside the general elections on 11 March 1990 on establishing a Constitutional Assembly. The referendum saw 2,235,493 vote in favour and 117,000 vote against. [2]

Following the unofficial referendum, President Virgilio Barco Vargas issued decree 927 on 3 May calling a referendum on electing a Constitutional Assembly alongside the presidential elections on 27 May. [1] Although this was in violation of article 114 [3] of the constitution, which gave Congress sole rights to reform the constitution, the referendum was approved by the Supreme Court. [1]

Results

ChoiceVotes%
For5,236,86395.79
Against230,0804.21
Total5,466,943100.00
Valid votes5,466,94392.80
Invalid/blank votes424,1747.20
Total votes5,891,117100.00
Registered voters/turnout13,903,32442.37
Source: Direct Democracy

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Colombia, 27 May 1990: Election of a Constitutional Assembly Direct Democracy (in German)
  2. 1 2 Colombia, 11 March 1990 Direct Democracy (in German)
  3. "Constitución Política 1 de 1991 Asamblea Nacional Constituyente". www.alcaldiabogota.gov.co. Retrieved 2018-05-21.