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1996 Lithuanian referendum

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A four-part referendum was held in Lithuania on 20 October 1996 alongside the first round of parliamentary elections.[1] Voters were asked whether they approved of three amendments to the constitution and whether money from the sale of state property should be used to compensate those who lost their Soviet-era savings due to inflation.[2] The three constitutional amendments would reduce the number of members of the Seimas, fix the date for elections to be in the spring, and to reserve at least 50% of government expenditure to social spending.[2]

Although all four were approved by at least 76% of those casting valid votes, voter turnout was only 52-53%, meaning that the threshold of 50% of all registered voters voting in favour was not passed, and the referendums failed.[2]

Results

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Constitutional amendment on reducing the number of members of the Seimas

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Choice Votes %
For 879,727 77.9
Against 238,635 21.1
Invalid/blank votes 224,691
Total 1,353,448 100
Registered voters/turnout 2,597,530 52.1
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Constitutional amendment on fixing the election date in spring

[edit]
Choice Votes %
For 860,465 76.2
Against 252,916 22.4
Invalid/blank votes 224,691
Total 1,353,448 100
Registered voters/turnout 2,597,530 52.1
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Constitutional amendment on social spending

[edit]
Choice Votes %
For 858,670 76.1
Against 257,303 22.8
Invalid/blank votes 224,691
Total 1,353,448 100
Registered voters/turnout 2,597,530 52.1
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Using the proceeds of privatisation to compensate savers

[edit]
Choice Votes %
For 1,012,497 79.5
Against 260,207 20.5
Invalid/blank votes 89,630
Total 1,362,573 100
Registered voters/turnout 2,597,530 52.5
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

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  1. ^ Dieter Nohlen & Philip Stöver (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1201 ISBN 978-3-8329-5609-7
  2. ^ a b c Nohlen & Stöver, p1211