2015 Rwandan constitutional referendum|
|
|
|
Choice
|
Votes
|
%
|
 Yes
|
6,143,060
|
98.32%
|
 No
|
105,144
|
1.68%
|
| Valid votes
|
6,248,204
|
99.71%
|
| Invalid or blank votes
|
18,286
|
0.29%
|
| Total votes
|
6,266,490
|
100.00%
|
| Registered voters/turnout
|
6,392,867
|
98.02%
| |
A constitutional referendum was held in Rwanda on 18 December 2015. Rwandans living abroad voted on 17 December.[1] The amendments to the constitution would allow President Paul Kagame to run for a third term in office in 2017, as well as shortening presidential terms from seven to five years, although the latter change would not come into effect until 2024.[1] They were approved by around 98% of voters.[2]
Background
A petition calling for Article 101 of the constitution (which imposes presidential term limits) to be amended gained over 3.7 million signatures, equivalent to over 60% of registered voters in Rwanda.[3] The constitutional amendments were approved by the Senate in November 2015.[1] If passed, they would allow Kagame to stand for a further two terms in office after 2024,[1] potentially allowing him to remain in power until 2034.[4] The opposition Democratic Green Party attempted to block the changes, but saw their bid to do so rejected in court.[5] The European Union and United States criticised the proposals, saying that it "undermines democratic principles". In response, Kagame criticised other countries for interfering in domestic affairs.[4]
Results
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|
| For | 6,157,922 | 98.32 |
| Against | 105,260 | 1.68 |
| Total | 6,263,182 | 100.00 |
|
| Valid votes | 6,263,182 | 99.65 |
|---|
| Invalid/blank votes | 22,171 | 0.35 |
|---|
| Total votes | 6,285,353 | 100.00 |
|---|
| Registered voters/turnout | 6,392,867 | 98.32 |
|---|
| Source: NEC |
References
