1938 Romanian constitutional referendum

A constitutional referendum was held in Romania on 24 February 1938 to approve a new constitution granting dictatorial powers to King Carol II.[1] Voting was done by answering yes or no before an election bureau, with silence marked as yes. Voting was compulsory, and the amendments were approved by 99.87% of voters.[1] The voting process has been described as deeply flawed and characterized by widespread intimidation.[2]

1938 Romanian constitutional referendum
24 February 1938
King Carol II signing the new constitution
Results
Choice
Votes %
Yes 4,297,581 99.87%
No 5,483 0.13%
Valid votes 4,303,064 100.00%
Invalid or blank votes 0 0.00%
Total votes 4,303,064 100.00%

Background

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The proposed changes to the constitution included:[1]

  • Giving the King the power to legislate and sole power to amend the constitution
  • Making the government solely responsible to the King
  • Allowing the King to dissolve Parliament at any time and rule by decree
  • Limiting the Parliament to bringing in laws in the "national interest"
  • Making the second chamber 50% appointed by the King and the remainder from professional organisations
  • Raising the voting age from 21 to 30
  • Prohibiting "revolutionary propaganda"

Results

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ChoiceVotes%
For4,297,58199.87
Against5,4830.13
Total4,303,064100.00
Valid votes4,303,064100.00
Invalid/blank votes00.00
Total votes4,303,064100.00
Source: Direct Democracy

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Romania, 24 February 1938: Constitution". www.sudd.ch (in German). Direct Democracy.
  2. ^ "Istoria unui dezacord: Uninominalul" (PDF) (in Romanian). December 2008. Retrieved 5 June 2015.