1981 Central African constitutional referendum
Choice
Votes
%
Yes
837,410
98.55%
No
12,360
1.45%
Valid votes
849,770
98.90%
Invalid or blank votes
9,463
1.10%
Total votes
859,233
100.00%
Registered voters/turnout
928,800
92.51%
A constitutional referendum was held in the Central African Republic on 1 February 1981, following the overthrow of Jean-Bédel Bokassa in 1979. The new constitution would make the country a presidential republic with a unicameral National Assembly , as well as restoring multi-party democracy for the first time since 1962.[ 1] It was approved by 98.55% of voters with a 92.53% turnout.[ 2]
Following the referendum, presidential elections were held on 15 March. However, a military coup occurred on 1 September, before parliamentary elections could take place.
Choice
Votes
%
For
837,410
98.55
Against
12,360
1.45
Invalid/blank votes
9,463
–
Total
859,447
100
Registered voters/turnout
928,800
92.53
Source: African Elections Database