1870 Honduran presidential referendum explained

A referendum on José María Medina remaining President was held in Honduras on 26 March 1870.[1] The proposal was approved by 95.15% of the voters.[1] However, two years later he was ousted from power after a revolt by the Liberals.[1]

Background

Medina was elected President in the February 1864 presidential elections.[1] According to the 1848 constitution he was eligible for a second term in office.[1] However in 1865 Medina convened a Constitutional Convention, which adopted a new constitution on 18 September.[1] This restricted the President to a single term in office, as well as making the National Congress unicameral.[1] The Convention made Medina the provisional President, which was confirmed in a January 1866 election.[1]

In order to win a second term after the adoption of the new constitution. He convened a new Convention, which approved the changes to the constitution and also elected him President for a second term.[1] However, following protests, he held a plebiscite on the issue.[1]

Results

ChoiceVotes%
For10,64995.15
Against5424.85
Invalid/blank votes
Total11,191100
Registered voters/turnout25,000
align=left colspan=3Source: Direct Democracy

Notes and References

  1. http://www.sudd.ch/event.php?lang=en&id=hn011870 Honduras, 26 March 1870: José María Medina remaining President