Sierra Leonean constitutional referendum, 1978

Sierra Leone

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A constitutional referendum was held in Sierra Leone on 12 July 1978. The changes were aimed at turning the country into a presidential one-party state, with the All People's Congress as the sole legal party. The new constitution had been adopted by parliament in May, and was put to public approval in the referendum. Passed with more than 97% support, the referendum has been described as "heavily rigged".^[1]

Results

Choice	Votes	%
For	2,152,460	97.15
Against	63,186	2.85
Invalid/blank votes		–
Total	2,215,646	100
Registered voters/turnout	2,235,004
Source: African Elections database

Aftermath

Following the referendum, President Siaka Stevens was sworn in for another seven-year term. In the next presidential election, voters had the choice of supporting or opposing his successor, Joseph Saidu Momoh (as no opposition candidates were allowed). The 15 Sierra Leone People's Party MPs elected in 1977 joined the APC.^[2]

A referendum in 1991 repealed the 1978 constitution,^[3] and returned the country to multi-party politics.

References

↑ Gberie, L. (2005) A Dirty War in West Africa: The RUF and the Destruction of Sierra Leone
↑ Chronology Concilation Resources
↑ Article 190 The Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991

Elections and referendums in Sierra Leone

Presidential elections	1985 1996 2002 2007 2012

Parliamentary elections	1924 1929 1934 1939 1943 1951 1957 1962 1967 1973 1977 1982 1986 1996 2002 2007 2012

Referendums	1978 1991

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