1942 Uruguayan constitutional referendum

A constitutional referendum was held in Uruguay on 29 November 1942, alongside general elections.[1] The new constitution was approved by 77.17% of voters.[1]

Background

On 18 June 1941 a group of General Assembly members had put forward constitutional amendments.[1] However, it was clear that the proposals would not be approved by a majority of voters, and President Alfredo Baldomir subsequently dissolved the General Assembly on 21 February 1942.[1]

A commission, composed of the largest party, put forward a draft constitution on 28 May, with some small changes to the previous amendments.[1] Baldomir then issued a decree stating that the new constitution would be approved if a majority of those voting were in favour, rather than the previous requirement, established in the 1934 constitution, of a majority of registered voters voting in favour.[1]

New constitution

The new constitution would limit the President and Vice President to a single term in office.[1] It provided for a bicameral General Assembly, with a Senate elected by proportional representation.[1] The lema system would be abolished.[1]

Constitutional initiatives would be possible if supported by 10% of registered voters (reduced from 20%), with the General Assembly allowed to put forward a counter-proposal. Amendments would require a majority vote in both houses of the General Assembly, approval by a Constitutional Council, and then a referendum, in which at least 35% of registered voters must vote in favour.[1]

Results

Choice	Votes	%
For	443,414	77.17
Against	131,163	22.83
Invalid/blank votes		–
Total	574,577	100
Registered voters/turnout	858,713	66.91
Source: Direct Democracy

See also

• Uruguayan Constitution

References

1. Uruguay, 29 November 1942: Constitution Direct Democracy (in German)