1945 French constitutional referendum

Summary

A constitutional referendum was held in France on 21 October 1945.[1] Voters were asked whether they approved of the Assembly elected on the same day serving as a Constituent Assembly, and whether until a new constitution was approved, the country would be governed according to a proposed set of laws that appeared on the ballot paper. If the first proposal had not been approved, the Third Republic would have been restored, but its approval led to the elected Assembly drafting a constitution and proposing it to the people a year later, resulting in the creation of the Fourth Republic. Both were approved by wide margins with a turnout of 79.8%.[2]

Results edit

Question I edit

Do you agree that the assembly now elected will serve as a constituent assembly?

Choice Metropolitan France Total
Votes % Votes %
For 17,957,868 96.4 18,584,746 96.4
Against 670,672 3.6 699,136 3.6
Invalid/blank votes 1,025,744 1,070,103
Total 19,654,284 100 20,353,985 100
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Question II edit

Do you agree that until the enforcement of a new Constitution, public affairs will be organised according to the proposal of the law which you find reproduced on the rear of the ballot?

Choice Metropolitan France Total
Votes % Votes %
For 12,317,882 66.5 12,794,943 66.5
Against 6,217,512 33.5 6,449,206 33.5
Invalid/blank votes 1,064,890 1,109,836
Total 19,645,284 100 20,353,985 100
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Dieter Nohlen & Philip Stöver (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p674 ISBN 978-3-8329-5609-7
  2. ^ Nohlen & Stöver, p684