1938 Romanian constitutional referendum explained
Country: | Kingdom of Romania |
Date: | 24 February 1938 |
|
Yes: | 4,297,581 |
No: | 5,483 |
Total: | 4,303,064 |
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]
Background
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"
Notes and References
- Web site: Romania, 24 February 1938: Constitution. Direct Democracy. www.sudd.ch. de.
- Web site: Istoria unui dezacord: Uninominalul. ro . December 2008 . 5 June 2015.