A constitutional referendum was held in Palau on 9 July 1979.[1] The new constitution was approved by 92% of voters,[1] and came into force on 1 January 1981.[2]
July 1979 Palauan constitutional referendum
9 July 1979
Results
Choice
Votes
%
Yes
4,062
92.00%
No
353
8.00%
Valid votes
4,415
98.15%
Invalid or blank votes
83
1.85%
Total votes
4,498
100.00%
Registered voters/turnout
6,995
64.3%
The new constitution created a federal state with sixteen states.[1] The President and Vice-President would have four year terms and would be eligible for one re-election, whilst the Palau National Congress would be bicameral.[1] The constitution itself could only be amended by referendum and approval of at least 12 of the 16 states, and there would be a referendum at least every 15 years on whether the constitution should be revised or amended.[1]
