Zambian constitutional referendum, 2016

A constitutional referendum was held in Zambia on 11 August 2016 alongside general elections, a move designed to reduce the cost of the referendum.[1][2] Voters were asked whether they approve of proposed amendments to the bill of rights and Article 79, which dictates the process of future amendments.[3]

Although 71% of voters voted in favour of the amendments, turnout was only 44%, below the 50% threshold required to validate the result.[4]

Background

The referendum sought to amend and enhance the Bill of rights and repeal and replace Article 79. The changes to the Bill of rights changes included the amendment of the "Civil and Political Rights" and the addition of an "Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Rights" and "Further and Special Rights" sections.[5]

The gazetted referendum question was:[6]

“ Do you agree to the amendment to the Constitution to enhance the Bill of rights contained in Part III of the Constitution of Zambia and to repeal and replace Article 79 of the Constitution of Zambia? ”

Electoral System

For the referendum to pass, a majority 'yes' vote was required together with a turnout of at least 50% of eligible voters. In previous general elections voter turnout has been poor and experts feared that due to different eligibility requirements of the general elections, the referendum would create confusion and be a waste of resources.[7]

Results

Choice Votes %
For1,852,55971.09
Against753,54928.91
Invalid/blank votes739,363−
Total3,345,471100
Registered voters/turnout7,528,09144.44
Source: ECZ

References

  1. ↑ "Zambia : Government to hold Referendum along side the 2016 General Elections". Lusaka Times. Retrieved 2016-06-15.
  2. ↑ "Zambia : Delayed release of proposed Bill of Rights a ploy by PF government". Lusaka Times. Retrieved 2016-06-15.
  3. ↑ "Zambia: Election Campaign Begins Monday". All Africa. Retrieved 2016-06-15.
  4. ↑ Referendum vote flops, fails to meet the threshold Lusaka Times, 19 August 2016
  5. ↑ "2016 Referendum Comic Book" (PDF). Electoral Commission of Zambia. Retrieved 15 June 2016.
  6. ↑ "Referendum Question: The Bill of Rights :: Electoral Commission of Zambia". Electoral Commission of Zambia. Retrieved 2016-06-15.
  7. ↑ "Zambia : The Referendum Issue: Why the President and his Dissolved Cabinet Got it Wrong!". Lusaka Times. Retrieved 2016-06-15.
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