2003 Liechtenstein constitutional referendum

2003 constitutional referendum regarding the Liechtenstein Prince's powers Liechtenstein 14 March 2003 Princely Initiative For 64.32 Against 35.68 Constitution Peace Initiative For 16.56 Against 83.44 2003 Liechtenstein constitutional referendum results.jpg municipality A constitutional referendum regarding the prince's powers was held in Liechtenstein on 14 March 2003. The referendum had two questions: a "Princely Initiative" and a "Constitution Peace Initiative".Dieter Nohlen & Philip Stöver (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1173 978-3-8329-5609-7 The first question passed with 64.32% in favour and the second question was rejected by 83.44% of voters.http://www.electionguide.org/results.php?ID=326 Referendum Results IFES Election Guide 2011-02-19 2011-06-11 https://web.archive.org/web/20110611071438/http://electionguide.org/results.php?ID=326 live The Princely Initiative asked voters whether to approve an extension of the power of the prince to dismiss the government, nominate judges and veto legislation. The Constitution Peace Initiative asked voters whether to approve or disapprove of constitutional modifications, including modifications which would have restricted the prince's powers.http://www.electionguide.org/election.php?ID=326 Election Profile IFES Election Guide 2011-02-19 2011-06-11 https://web.archive.org/web/20110611002209/http://electionguide.org/election.php?ID=326 live The BBC stated that the referendum in effect made Liechtenstein into an "absolute monarchy".16 March 2003 Liechtenstein prince wins powers http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/2853991.stm live https://web.archive.org/web/20250912045034/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2853991.stm 12 September 2025 21 December 2025 BBC News In December 2002 the Venice commission of the Council of Europe published a comprehensive report analysing the amendments, opining that they were not compatible with the European standard of democracy.http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-AD(2002)032-e Opinion on the amendments to the constitution of Liechtenstein proposed by the Princely House of Liechtenstein Venice Commission 2015-12-11 2020-02-28 https://web.archive.org/web/20200228150407/http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-AD(2002)032-e live Prince Hans-Adam II had threatened to leave the country and live in exile in Vienna, Austria if the voters had chosen to restrict his powers.http://www.britannica.com/facts/10/40964055/March-16-2003-A-referendum-in-Liechtenstein-increases Calendar of Events for March 16, 2003 Encyclopædia Britannica 2011-02-19 2011-02-26 https://web.archive.org/web/20110226163054/http://www.britannica.com/facts/10/40964055/March-16-2003-A-referendum-in-Liechtenstein-increases live After the votes were counted, the prince told a local radio station: "It's an excellent result. We can be very pleased with it." Results Question For Against Invalid/blank Totalvotes Registeredvoters Turnout Outcome Votes % Votes % Princely Initiative 9,412 64.32 5,221 35.68 212 14,845 16,932 87.67% Approved Constitution Peace Initiative 2,394 16.56 12,065 83.44 386 Rejected Source: Nohlen & StöverJanuary 2026 References Liechtenstein Constitutional Category:Referendums in Liechtenstein Category:Monarchy of Liechtenstein Liechtenstein Category:Premiership of Otmar Hasler