1985 Haitian constitutional referendum

A constitutional referendum was held in Haiti on 22 July 1985.^[1] The amendments to the new constitution would restore multi-party politics, although only on the condition that all parties swore allegiance to President Jean-Claude Duvalier, as well as re-confirming Duvalier as President for Life and allowing him to single-handedly appoint the Prime Minister and his successor. The changes were reportedly approved by 99.98% of voters,^[2] although it was widely considered a sham and led to Duvalier being overthrown the following year.

1985 Haitian constitutional referendum

22 July 1985
Please express your views through this Referendum on both the amendments to the existing Constitution of 1983 and on the new law regulating the functioning of political parties. The most significant of these changes include: A. A Presidency-for-Life including the right to designate a successor. B. The creation of the post of Prime Minister. C. An increase in legislative influence over the government. D. An official encouraging of the development of political pluralism. Do you agree with this new political system?
Results
Choice Votes  % Yes 2,375,011 99.98% No 448 0.02% Valid votes 2,375,459 100.00% Invalid or blank votes 0 0.00% Total votes 2,375,459 100.00% Registered voters/turnout 2,600,000 91.36%

Results

Choice	Votes	%
For	2,375,011	99.98
Against	448	0.02
Invalid/blank votes		–
Total	2,375,459	100
Source: Direct Democracy

References

1. Nohlen, D (2005) Elections in the Americas: A data handbook, Volume I, p381 ISBN 978-0-19-928357-6
2. Around the World: Haiti Says 99.9% Backed President in Referendum New York Times, 28 July 1985