A constitutional referendum was held in Romania on 24 February 1938 to approve a new constitution.[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
