2003 Georgian constitutional referendum

A constitutional referendum was held in Georgia on 2 November 2003 alongside parliamentary elections. The constitutional changes proposed would reduce the number of seats in the next Parliament of Georgia from 235 to 150.

2003 Georgian constitutional referendum

2 November 2003 (2003-11-02)
Are you for or against the reduction in the number of Georgian parliamentarians to 150 members?
Results
Choice Votes % Yes 1,590,309 89.62% No 184,209 10.38% Valid votes 1,774,518 93.49% Invalid or blank votes 123,466 6.51% Total votes 1,897,984 100.00% Registered voters/turnout 3,178,593 59.71%

With almost 90% voting in favour, the changes were first implemented following the 2008 Georgian legislative election.

Background

Prior to the referendum, citizens groups had gathered 218,000 signatures on a petition calling for a reduction in the number of MPs, higher than the 200,000 required for a constitutional initiative. On 3 September 2003 President Eduard Shevardnadze signed a decree approving the referendum.

Results

Are you for or against the reduction in the number of Georgian parliamentarians to 150 members?

Choice	Votes	%
For	1,590,309	89.61
Against	184,209	10.39
Invalid/blank votes	123,466	–
Total	1,904,105	100
Registered voters/turnout	3,178,593	63.89
Source: Direct Democracy