Rwandan constitutional referendum, 2015

Rwanda
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Rwanda

A constitutional referendum was held in Rwanda on 18 December 2015. Rwandans living abroad voted on 17 December.[1] The amendments to the constitution would allow President Paul Kagame to run for a third term in office in 2017, as well as shortening presidential terms from seven to five years, although the latter change would not come into effect until 2024.[1] They were approved by around 98% of voters.[2]

Background

A petition calling for Article 101 of the constitution (which imposes presidential term limits) to be amended gained over 3.7 million signatures, equivalent to over 60% of registered voters in Rwanda.[3] The constitutional amendments were approved by the Senate in November 2015.[1] If passed, they would allow Kagame to stand for a further two terms in office after 2024,[1] potentially allowing him to remain in power until 2034.[4] The opposition Democratic Green Party attempted to block the changes, but saw their bid to do so rejected in court.[5] The European Union and United States criticised the proposals, saying that it "undermines democratic principles". In response, Kagame criticised other countries for interfering in domestic affairs.[4]

Results

Choice Votes %
For6,157,92298.3
Against105,2601.7
Invalid/blank votes22,171–
Total6,285,353100
Registered voters/turnout6,392,86798.3
Source: NEC

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Paul Kagame's third term: Rwanda referendum on 18 December BBC News, 9 December 2015
  2. ↑ Rwanda vote 'allows Kagame to extend term in office' BBC News, 19 December 2015
  3. ↑ Only 10 Rwandans against Paul Kagame's third term, says lawmakers' report The Nation, 11 August 2015
  4. 1 2 Rwanda to hold referendum on Kagame third term on December 17 Daily Nation, 9 December 2015
  5. ↑ Rwanda president to decide on third term after referendum Reuters, 7 December 2015
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