1996 Polish referendums

A double referendum was held in Poland on 18 February 1996.[1] One concerned enfranchisement, whilst the others concerned state property. The first was ordered by the President, whilst the others were created on the basis of resolution made by Sejm. All except one were approved by over 90% of voters. However, voter turnout was just 32%, well below the 50% threshold required to make the referendums valid.[2]

Act about the referendums

The act about the referendums was passed on June 25, 1995 (Dz.U. 99, position 487 from 25.08.1995)

Subject of the referendums

Enfranchisement referendum

On 29 November 1995, President of Poland Lech Wałęsa, after getting permission from Senate, mandated the referendum with the question:

• Do you approve the enfranchisement of citizens?

Privatisation referendum

On 21 December 1995 the Sejm passed a referendums act, in which four question were to be placed on the ballot:

1. Are you for or against – obligations towards pensioners, annuitants and retirees in the Civil Service will be fulfilled with the privatised state-owned assets?[3]
2. Are you for or against – a part of the privatised state-owned assets will be assigned to public pension funds?[3]
3. Are you for or against – the value of joint stock certificates in National Investment Fund will be increased?[3]
4. Are you for the use of privatisation bonds in the universal property restitution program?[3]

Results

Enfranchisement referendum

Choice	Votes	%
For	8,580,129	96.2
Against	343,197	3.8
Invalid/blank votes	152,678	–
Total	9,076,004	100
Registered voters/turnout	28,009,715	32.4
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question I

Choice	Votes	%
For	8,439,458	95.1
Against	437,466	4.9
Invalid/blank votes	208,221	–
Total	9,085,145	100
Registered voters/turnout	28,009,715	32.4
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question II

Choice	Votes	%
For	8,512,9321	96.0
Against	355,363	4.0
Invalid/blank votes	215,851	–
Total	9,085,145	100
Registered voters/turnout	28,009,715	32.4
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question III

Choice	Votes	%
For	1,985,567	23.2
Against	6,588,559	76.8
Invalid/blank votes	511,019	–
Total	9,085,145	100
Registered voters/turnout	28,009,715	32.4
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question IV

Choice	Votes	%
For	8,022,353	91.3
Against	762,905	8.7
Invalid/blank votes	299,887	–
Total	9,085,145	100
Registered voters/turnout	28,009,715	32.4
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

1. Dieter Nohlen & Philip Stöver (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1491 ISBN 978-3-8329-5609-7
2. Polish Referendum: Mixed Results Stall Privatization Chicago Tribune, 21 February 1996
3. Nohlen & Stöver, p1499