2014 Lithuanian constitutional referendum
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| Outcome | Proposal failed as less than 50% of registered voters voted in favour | |||||||||||||||||||||
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A constitutional referendum was held in Lithuania on 29 June 2014.[1] Proposed amendments to articles 9, 47 and 147 of the constitution would have reduced the number of signatures required to call a referendum from 300,000 to 100,000, prevent foreigners from owning land in the country, and require all decisions related to the exploitation and extraction of natural resources that would have national and local importance to require approval by referendum.[2]
Although 73% of voters voted in favour of the changes, the result was invalidated by a turnout of just 14.98%.[3][4]
Background[edit]
When Lithuania joined the European Union in 2004, it agreed to allow the sale of land to foreigners. However, the country was granted a seven-year transition period, under which sale of land to foreigners remained illegal. This period was later extended to last until May 2014.[1]
A previous referendum on allowing EU citizens to buy land was held in 1996. Although a majority of those voting voted in favour, the required quorum of 50% of registered voters voting in favour was not achieved.
The referendum was supported by the Lithuanian Nationalist Union and the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union.
It was opposed by the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania and the main opposition Homeland Union.[5]
Results[edit]
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| For | 269,049 | 72.83 |
| Against | 100,375 | 27.17 |
| Invalid/blank votes | 10,754 | – |
| Total | 380,178 | 100 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 2,538,430 | 14.98 |
| Source: VRK | ||
References[edit]
- ^ a b "Referendum on land sale in Lithuania to take place on 29th June". The Baltic Course. 10 April 2014. Retrieved 13 September 2015.
- ^ Litauen, 29. Juni 2014 : Verfassungsreform Direct Democracy
- ^ Land sale ban referendum fails in Lithuania due to record-low turnout Delfi, 29 June 2014
- ^ Voter turnout of failed referendum at 14.98% Delfi, 4 July 2014
- ^ "Lithuania referendum to ban foreign land ownership fails". Reuters. 30 June 2014.
