Bangladeshi military rule referendum, 1985

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A referendum on military rule was held in Bangladesh on 21 March 1985 in order to confirm the military rule of Hussain Mohammed Ershad, the Army Chief of Staff who had seized power in 1982. The referendum asked voters "Do you support the policies of President Ershad, and do you want him to continue to run this administration until a civilian government is formed through elections?"

The result saw 94.5% vote in favour, with a turnout of 72.2%.[1] The opposition organised a general strike on the day of the referendum, and alleged that the results were fraudulent.

Results

Choice Votes %
For32,661,23394.5
Against1,911,2815.5
Invalid/blank votes0-
Total34,572,514100
Registered voters/turnout47,910,96472.2
Source: Nohlen et al.

References

  1. Nohlen, D, Grotz, F & Hartmann, C (2001) Elections in Asia: A data handbook, Volume I, p534 ISBN 0-19-924958-X