1996 Lithuanian referendum

A four-part referendum was held in Lithuania on 20 October 1996 alongside the first round of parliamentary elections.Dieter Nohlen & Philip Stöver (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1201 978-3-8329-5609-7 Voters were asked whether they approved of three amendments to the constitution and whether money from the sale of state property should be used to compensate those who lost their Soviet-era savings due to inflation.Nohlen & Stöver, p1211 The three constitutional amendments would reduce the number of members of the Seimas, fix the date for elections to be in the spring, and to reserve at least 50% of government expenditure to social spending. Although all four were approved by at least 76% of those casting valid votes, voter turnout was only 52-53%, meaning that the threshold of 50% of all registered voters voting in favour was not passed, and the referendums failed. Results Constitutional amendment on reducing the number of members of the Seimas ChoiceVotes%For879,72777.9Against238,63521.1Invalid/blank votes224,691–Total1,353,448100Registered voters/turnout2,597,53052.1Source: Nohlen & Stöver Constitutional amendment on fixing the election date in spring ChoiceVotes%For860,46576.2Against252,91622.4Invalid/blank votes224,691–Total1,353,448100Registered voters/turnout2,597,53052.1Source: Nohlen & Stöver Constitutional amendment on social spending ChoiceVotes%For858,67076.1Against257,30322.8Invalid/blank votes224,691–Total1,353,448100Registered voters/turnout2,597,53052.1Source: Nohlen & Stöver Using the proceeds of privatisation to compensate savers ChoiceVotes%For1,012,49779.5Against260,20720.5Invalid/blank votes89,630–Total1,362,573100Registered voters/turnout2,597,53052.5Source: Nohlen & Stöver References Category:1996 referendums Category:1996 in Lithuania Category:Referendums in Lithuania