2024 Austenasian Constitutional Referendum
The Austenasian Constitutional Referendum of 2024 was a referendum which was held in the Empire of Austenasia on 12 February 2024 (alongside a general election), in which the population was encouraged to vote on amendments which had been proposed by Emperor Jonathan I to the Austenasian Constitution of 2011.
Third Amendment
The proposed amendments being voted on were grouped into two parts, each of which could be voted on separately. The parts or part approved in the referendum would be adopted as the Third Amendment to the Austenasian Constitution of 2011.
Part One of the amendments proposed replacing the Austenasian Divisions system with the Diasporic List, transitioning parliamentary representation for non-residential subjects away from a first-past-the-post, geographically-based system to a STV list-based system. The latter had been the system originally intended for implementation when parliamentary representation for non-residential subjects was first discussed, but the restrictive language of the Constitution as then written had required all parliamentary representation to be on a first-past-the-post basis.
Part Two of the amendments consisted primarily of the correction of several mistakes with spelling, wording and grammar, but also included the following substantial but relatively minor reforms:
- The spouse of the Heir to the Throne would be titled Prince/Princess instead of being likewise titled Crown Prince/Crown Princess, to avoid confusion.
- Vacancies in those eligible to be appointed Counsellors of State would be filled by members of the Line of Succession rather than Nobles.
- A Monarch who abdicates would not in future be automatically removed from all other offices and positions.
- The requirement for all of the Empire's Archdukes to consent to non-imperials being appointed Augustae or Caesars would be removed.
- Imperials not in the Line of Succession would become eligible for appointment to archducal rank.
- The Princeps Senatus would be empowered to deputise their duties to another senator.
Preparation
Article II, Section E of the Constitution sets out the requirements for an amendment, namely the approval of the Monarch, the approval of over 80% of the House of Representatives, and approval in a referendum authorised by the Senate. An Imperial Decree of February 2021 further regulated the process in accordance with these constitutional requirements, mandating that a proposed constitutional amendment must first receive the approval of the Monarch and then the supermajority of Representatives before passing on to the Senate, which will vote on passing a resolution to arrange and authorise both the referendum and the implementation of the amendments should they pass that final stage.
The Third Amendment was proposed by Jonathan I - after consultation with the Prime Minister, Lord William Wilson - to the House of Representatives on 22 January 2024 (the approval of the Monarch was granted by virtue of him having proposed it). With a supermajority of over 80% of Representatives required, the support of 13 of the then 15 Representatives would be needed. The final thirteenth vote in support was cast on 25 January.
The proposed amendment then passed on to the Austenasian Senate, which unanimously passed a resolution on 29 January authorising a referendum to take place on 12 February. The resolution also arranged for the amendments authorised by referendum to enter into force on 27 February 2024.
Results
Part One
- Support: 90.32%
- Oppose: 4.84%
- Abstain: 4.84%
| Constituency | Turnout | Support | Oppose | Abstain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrythe | 50% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Palasia (and Caldari) | 100% | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Chalcedon | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Nahona (and Campo de Jonatán) | 100% | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| North Nahona | 100% | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Procyon | 100% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Blue Ridge | 100% | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Oppidum Tubae | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Helinium | 100% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Chandler | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Britain and Ireland Division | 31.8% | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Europe and Africa Division | 58.8% | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Asia Division | 46.1% | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| New World Division | 58.8% | 6 | 2 | 2 |
| Other subjects | 100% | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 57.4% | 56 | 3 | 3 |
Part Two
- Support: 96.77%
- Oppose: 0%
- Abstain: 3.23%
| Constituency | Turnout | Support | Oppose | Abstain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrythe | 50% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Palasia (and Caldari) | 100% | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Chalcedon | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Nahona (and Campo de Jonatán) | 100% | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| North Nahona | 100% | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Procyon | 100% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Blue Ridge | 100% | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Oppidum Tubae | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Helinium | 100% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Chandler | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Britain and Ireland Division | 31.8% | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Europe and Africa Division | 58.8% | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Asia Division | 46.1% | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| New World Division | 58.8% | 8 | 0 | 2 |
| Other subjects | 100% | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 57.4% | 60 | 0 | 2 |
| Preceded by: 2018 Constitutional Referendum |
Referendums in Austenasia 2024 Constitutional Referendum |
Succeeded by: Most recent |
