1992 Nigerien constitutional referendum

A constitutional referendum was held in Niger on 26 December 1992. The new constitution would restore multi-party democracy for the first time since 1960, whilst also allowing unlimited number of five-year terms for the President. It was approved by 89.79% of voters, with a turnout of 56.6%.^[1] Upon its promulgation on 22 January 1993, the Third Republic came into being, which lasted until the 1996 coup.

Background

The constitution of December 1992 was created over more than a year, following the formation of the civilian National Conference to supersede semi-Military rule.^[2]^[3]^[4]

The National Conference organised a referendum on 26 December 1992, where voters were given the option to vote for or against a Constitution creating a dual executive system with strong guarantees of Human rights, and no political role for the military, the Third Republic.^[5]

Results

Choice	Votes	%
For	1,945,653	89.79
Against	221,267	10.21
Invalid/blank votes	40,300	–
Total	2,207,220	100
Registered voters/turnout	3,900,881	56.58
Source: Direct Democracy

Aftermath

The National Council enacted the Constitution on 22 January 1993, and elections for the National Assembly were held on 14 February 1993. The first round of the presidential elections were held on 27 February and the second round held on 27 March 1993. Mahamane Ousmane was elected as the country's fourth President.

References

^ Elections in Niger African Elections Database
^ Walter S. Clarke, “The National Conference Phenomenon and the Management of Political Conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa,” in Ethnic Conflict and Democratization in Africa, ed. Harvey Glickman. Atlanta: African Studies Assoc. Press, (1995) ISBN 0-918456-74-6
^ Pearl T. Robinson, “The National Conference Phenomenon in Francophone Africa,” Comparative Studies in Society and History Vol. 36, No. 3 (1994)
^ Myriam Gervais. Niger: Regime Change Economic Crisis and Perpetuation of Privilege. pp. 86-108. Political Reform in Francophone Africa, Ed. John Frank Clark, David E. Gardinier. Westview Press (1997) ISBN 0-8133-2786-5
^ Decalo, Samuel (1997). Historical Dictionary of the Niger (3rd ed.). Boston & Folkestone: Scarecrow Press. pp. 100, 260. ISBN 0-8108-3136-8.

[1] Elections in Niger African Elections Database

[2] Walter S. Clarke, “The National Conference Phenomenon and the Management of Political Conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa,” in Ethnic Conflict and Democratization in Africa, ed. Harvey Glickman. Atlanta: African Studies Assoc. Press, (1995) ISBN 0-918456-74-6

[3] Pearl T. Robinson, “The National Conference Phenomenon in Francophone Africa,” Comparative Studies in Society and History Vol. 36, No. 3 (1994)

[4] Myriam Gervais. Niger: Regime Change Economic Crisis and Perpetuation of Privilege. pp. 86-108. Political Reform in Francophone Africa, Ed. John Frank Clark, David E. Gardinier. Westview Press (1997) ISBN 0-8133-2786-5

[Decalo1997-5] Decalo, Samuel (1997). Historical Dictionary of the Niger (3rd ed.). Boston & Folkestone: Scarecrow Press. pp. 100, 260. ISBN 0-8108-3136-8.

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