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1996 Polish referendum

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A double referendum was held in Poland on 18 February 1996.[1] One concerned enfranchisement, whilst the others concerned state property. The first was ordered by the President, whilst the others were created on the basis of resolution made by Sejm. All except one were approved by over 90% of voters. However, voter turnout was just 32%, well below the 50% threshold required to make the referendums valid.[2]

Act about the referendums

The act about the referendums was passed on June 25, 1995 (Dz.U. 99, position 487 from 25.08.1995)

Subject of the referendums

Enfranchisement referendum

On 29 November 1995, President of Poland Lech Wałęsa, after getting permission from Senate, mandated the referendum with the question:

  • Do you approve the enfranchisement of citizens?

Privatisation referendum

On 21 December 1995 the Sejm passed a referendums act, in which four question were to be placed on the ballot:

  1. Are you for or against – obligations towards pensioners, annuitants and retirees in the Civil Service will be fulfilled with the privatised state-owned assets?[3]
  2. Are you for or against – a part of the privatised state-owned assets will be assigned to public pension funds?[3]
  3. Are you for or against – the value of joint stock certificates in National Investment Fund will be increased?[3]
  4. Are you for the use of privatisation bonds in the universal property restitution program?[3]

Results

Enfranchisement referendum

Choice Votes %
For 8,580,129 96.2
Against 343,197 3.8
Invalid/blank votes 152,678
Total 9,076,004 100
Registered voters/turnout 28,009,715 32.4
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Privatisation referendum

Question I

Choice Votes %
For 8,439,458 95.1
Against 437,466 4.9
Invalid/blank votes 208,221
Total 9,085,145 100
Registered voters/turnout 28,009,715 32.4
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question II

Choice Votes %
For 8,512,9321 96.0
Against 355,363 4.0
Invalid/blank votes 215,851
Total 9,085,145 100
Registered voters/turnout 28,009,715 32.4
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question III

Choice Votes %
For 1,985,567 23.2
Against 6,588,559 76.8
Invalid/blank votes 511,019
Total 9,085,145 100
Registered voters/turnout 28,009,715 32.4
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question IV

Choice Votes %
For 8,022,353 91.3
Against 762,905 8.7
Invalid/blank votes 299,887
Total 9,085,145 100
Registered voters/turnout 28,009,715 32.4
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

  1. ^ Dieter Nohlen & Philip Stöver (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1491 ISBN 978-3-8329-5609-7
  2. ^ Polish Referendum: Mixed Results Stall Privatization Chicago Tribune, 21 February 1996
  3. ^ a b c d Nohlen & Stöver, p1499