A constitutional referendum in Zambia was held on August 11, 2016 at the same time as the general election to reduce the cost of the referendum. The referendum was to approve the bill of rights and Article 79, which should determine the process for future constitutional amendments. [1] [2] [3] [4]
Although 71% of voters favored approving the amendments, the turnout was only 44%, which is less than 50% required for a referendum to be held. [five]
Election System
In order for the referendum to be considered valid, the majority must vote “For,” and the turnout must be at least 50% of the number of registered voters. At the previous general election, turnout was low, and experts feared that due to differences in the rules for referenda and elections, their simultaneous holding could cause confusion. As a result, this will be a waste. [6]
Results
| The choice | Vote | % |
|---|---|---|
| "Behind" | 1 852 559 | 71.09 |
| "Vs" | 753,549 | 28.91 |
| Invalid / Empty Newsletters | 739 363 | - |
| Total | 3 345 471 | 100 |
| Registered Voters / Turnout | 7 528 091 | 44,44 |
| Source: ECZ | ||
Notes
- ↑ Government to hold Referendum along side the 2016 General Elections Lusaka Times, 16 March 2015
- ↑ Zambia: Government to hold Referendum along side the 2016 General Elections . Lusaka Times. Date of treatment June 15, 2016.
- ↑ Zambia: Delayed release of proposed Bill of Rights a ploy by PF government . Lusaka Times. Date of treatment June 15, 2016.
- ↑ Zambia: Election Campaign Begins Monday All Africa. Date of treatment June 15, 2016.
- ↑ Referendum vote flops, fails to meet the threshold Lusaka Times, 19 August 2016
- ↑ Zambia: The Referendum Issue: Why the President and his Dissolved Cabinet Got it Wrong! . Lusaka Times. Date of treatment June 15, 2016.