Zambian constitutional referendum, 2016

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1969

A constitutional referendum will be held in Zambia on 11 August 2016 alongside general elections, a move designed to reduce the cost of the referendum. [1][2] Voters will be asked whether they approve of proposed amendments to the bill of rights and Article 79, which dictates the process of future amendments.

Background

The referendum seeks to amend and enhance the Bill of rights; and, repeal and replace Article 79. Under the Bill of rights changes is the amendment of the "Civil and Political Rights", plus the addition of: "Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Right" section; and "Further and Special Rights" section. The gazetted referendum question is [3] : Do you agree to the amendment to the Constitution to enhance the Bill of rights contained in Part III of the Constitution of Zambia and to repeal and replace Article 79 of the Constitution of Zambia?

Electoral System

For the referendum to pass, a majority 'yes' vote is required together with a turnout of at least 50% of the eligible voters. The Central Statistics Office of Zambia states that there are 7 million eligible voters in the country, which would mean over 3.5 million voters would have to participate to validate a 'yes' vote. In past general elections voter turnout has been poor and experts fear that due to different eligibility requirements of the general elections, the referendum will create confusion and be a waste of resources.[4]

Voting and Redults

With a high voter turnout in the 2016 general elections there was little or no interest in people volting in the referendum.

Results

Choice Votes %
For 1,852,559 71.09
Against 753,549 28.91
Invalid/blank votes 739,363
Total 3,345,471 100
Registered voters/turnout 7,528,091 44.44
Source: ECZ

See also

References

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