2012 Icelandic constitutional referendum

A non-binding constitutional referendum was held in Iceland on 20 October 2012. As a part of the 2010–2013 constitutional reform, and upon recommendation by the Constitutional Assembly, voters were asked whether they approved of six proposals included in a new draft constitution of Iceland.[1] All six questions were approved by voters. The passing of Question 3 regarding the inclusion of a national church in the constitution was the only provision that went against the Constitutional Assembly's recommendations.[2]

Icelandic constitutional referendum
20 October 2012 (2012-10-20)
  1. Do you wish the Constitution Council's proposals to form the basis of a new draft Constitution?
  2. In the new Constitution, do you want natural resources that are not privately owned to be declared national property?
  3. Would you like to see provisions in the new Constitution on an established (national) church in Iceland?
  4. Would you like to see a provision in the new Constitution authorising the election of particular individuals to the Althing more than is the case at present?
  5. Would you like to see a provision in the new Constitution giving equal weight to votes cast in all parts of the country?
  6. Would you like to see a provision in the new Constitution stating that a certain proportion of the electorate is able to demand that issues are put to a referendum?

As of 2021, the changes had not been implemented, despite continued public support.[3]

Questions

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The referendum consisted of six questions:[4]

  1. Do you wish the Constitution Council's proposals to form the basis of a new draft Constitution?
  2. In the new Constitution, do you want natural resources that are not privately owned to be declared national property?
  3. Would you like to see provisions in the new Constitution on an established (national) church in Iceland?
  4. Would you like to see a provision in the new Constitution authorising the election of particular individuals to the Althing more than is the case at present?
  5. Would you like to see a provision in the new Constitution giving equal weight to votes cast in all parts of the country?
  6. Would you like to see a provision in the new Constitution stating that a certain proportion of the electorate is able to demand that issues are put to a referendum?

Results

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Question For Against Blank Invalid Total Registered
voters
Turnout
Votes % Votes %
1 73,408 66.9 36,252 33.1 4,991 741 115,392 236,911 48.7
2 84,633 82.9 17,441 17.1 12,582 736 115,392 48.7
3 58,354 57.1 43,861 42.9 11,792 740 114,747 48.4
4 78,356 78.4 21,623 21.6 14,673 741 115,393 48.7
5 66,554 66.5 33,536 33.5 14,664 747 115,501 48.7
6 72,523 73.3 26,402 26.7 15,729 739 115,393 48.7
Source: RÚV, National Electoral Commission

References

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  1. ^ Referendum to Be Held on Icelandic Constitution Archived 2012-06-18 at the Wayback Machine Iceland Review Online, 25 May 2012
  2. ^ The majority said yes to all the questions Archived 2012-10-22 at the Wayback Machine RÚV, 21 October 2012 (in Icelandic)
  3. ^ "From Iceland — Poll: Most Icelanders Still Want A New Constitution". The Reykjavik Grapevine. 2021-07-13. Retrieved 2024-02-16.
  4. ^ Advertisement regarding the Referendum to be held on 20 October 2012 Archived 31 August 2012 at the Wayback Machine - Icelandic Ministry of Interior
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