1993 Russian government referendum

A four-part referendum was held in Russia on 25 April 1993. Voters were asked questions on confidence in President Boris Yeltsin, support for the government's socio-economic policies and early elections for both the presidency and parliament. The referendum was initiated by the Congress of People's Deputies, which stipulated that Yeltsin would need to obtain 50% of the electorate, rather than 50% of valid votes. However, the Constitutional Court ruled that the president required only a simple majority on two issues: confidence in him, and economic and social policy; though he would still need the support of more than half the electorate in order to call new parliamentary and presidential elections.

Three of the four questions were approved by a majority of voters.

Results

Question I

Do you have confidence in the President of the Russian Federation, B. N. Yeltsin?

Choice	Votes	%
For	40,405,811	59.9
Against	26,995,268	40.1
Invalid/blank votes	1,468,868	–
Total	68,869,947	100
Registered voters/turnout	107,310,374	64.2
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question II

Do you support the economic and social policy that has been conducted since 1992 by the President and Government of the Russian Federation?

Choice	Votes	%
For	36,476,202	54.3
Against	30,640,781	45.7
Invalid/blank votes	1,642,883	–
Total	68,759,866	100
Registered voters/turnout	107,310,374	64.1
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question III

Should there be early elections for the President of the Russian Federation?

Choice	Votes	%
For	32,418,972	48.8
Against	34,027,310	51.2
Invalid/blank votes	2,316,247	–
Total	68,762,529	100
Registered voters/turnout	107,310,374	64.1
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question IV

Should there be early elections for the People's Deputies of the Russian Federation?

Choice	Votes	%
For	46,232,197	69.1
Against	20,712,605	30.9
Invalid/blank votes	1,887,258	–
Total	68,832,060	100
Registered voters/turnout	107,310,374	64.1
Source: Nohlen & Stöver