Nauruan constitutional referendum, 2010

A constitutional referendum was held in Nauru on 27 February 2010.^[1] Voters were asked to vote on amendments to the constitution, most notably a change to a directly elected president (instead of one chosen by parliament) and a strengthening of human rights legislation (but also a clarification of the distribution of powers and other, less notable amendments).^[2] A two-thirds majority was required for the amendments to pass.^[3]

The referendum was part of a large-scale constitutional renewal; the referendum had to be held to approve changes to some especially protected parts of the constitution, while other changes were made by simple parliamentary vote. Any changes would only take effect on the day of the next general election, likely in May/June 2011.^[3]

Turnout was 78%, with almost 4,400 votes cast; the constitutional changes were rejected by majority of two thirds, almost 3,000 votes.^[4][5] It was considered immediately afterwards whether another referendum might be held at a later time.^[6]

Results

Nauruan constitutional referendum, 2010
Choice	Votes	%
No	2,939	66.96
Yes	1,450	33.04
Valid votes	4,389	98.17
Invalid or blank votes	82	1.83
Total votes	4,471	100.00
Source: Direct Democracy

References

1. "Nauru Government confident that public will back constitutional reforms". Rnzi.com. 2010-02-08. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
2. "Stories:Nauru to hold constitutional referendum". Australia Network News. 2010-02-04. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
3. Constitutional Review Project Parliament of Nauru
4. "Stories:Changes to Nauru's constitution rejected at referendum". Australia Network News. 2010-03-01. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
5. "Nauruans vote against proposed Constitutional Amendments". Rnzi.com. 2010-02-28. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
6. "Nauru leaders disappointed with referendum rebuff". Rnzi.com. 2010-03-01. Retrieved 2010-08-21.