A constitutional referendum was held in Abkhazia on 3 October 1999, alongside presidential elections. Voters were asked whether they approved of the constitution that had been approved by the Supreme Soviet on 26 November 1994,[1] together with an amendment abolishing the life term for appointed judges and replacing it with five year terms.[2] It was approved by 97.7% of voters. However, ethnic Georgians (200,000–250,000)[3] who had been expelled from Abkhazia during the conflict of 1992–93 did not participate in the referendum and the results were not recognised internationally.[4]

Results

Choice Votes %
For97.7
Against2.3
Invalid/blank votes–
Total100
Registered voters/turnout219,53487.6
Source: RRCArchived 2015-05-29 at the Wayback Machine

Aftermath

Following the referendum, the Abkhazian government passed the Act of State Independence of the Republic of Abkhazia on 12 October.

References

  1. ↑ Wilfried Marxer (2012) Direct Democracy and Minorities, Springer Science & Business Media, p69
  2. ↑ Georgia blasts plans for Abkhaz referendum Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, 1 September 1999
  3. ↑ Abkhazia Today. Archived May 10, 2007, at the Wayback Machine The International Crisis Group. Europe Report N°176 – 15 September 2006, page 23. Free registration needed to view full report
  4. ↑ Kohen, Marcelo G. (2006). Secessión: international law perspectives. Cambridge University Press. p. 117. ISBN 0-521-84928-4.
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