1996 Lithuanian referendum

A four-part referendum was held in Lithuania on 20 October 1996 alongside the first round of parliamentary elections.^[1] Voters were asked whether they approved of three amendments to the constitution and whether money from the sale of state property should be used to compensate those who lost their Soviet-era savings due to inflation.^[2] The three constitutional amendments would reduce the number of members of the Seimas, fix the date for elections to be in the spring, and to reserve at least 50% of government expenditure to social spending.^[2]

Although all four were approved by at least 76% of those casting valid votes, voter turnout was only 52-53%, meaning that the threshold of 50% of all registered voters voting in favour was not passed, and the referendums failed.^[2]

Results

Constitutional amendment on reducing the number of members of the Seimas

Choice	Votes	%
For	879,727	77.9
Against	238,635	21.1
Invalid/blank votes	224,691	–
Total	1,353,448	100
Registered voters/turnout	2,597,530	52.1
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Constitutional amendment on fixing the election date in spring

Choice	Votes	%
For	860,465	76.2
Against	252,916	22.4
Invalid/blank votes	224,691	–
Total	1,353,448	100
Registered voters/turnout	2,597,530	52.1
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Constitutional amendment on social spending

Choice	Votes	%
For	858,670	76.1
Against	257,303	22.8
Invalid/blank votes	224,691	–
Total	1,353,448	100
Registered voters/turnout	2,597,530	52.1
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Using the proceeds of privatisation to compensate savers

Choice	Votes	%
For	1,012,497	79.5
Against	260,207	20.5
Invalid/blank votes	89,630	–
Total	1,362,573	100
Registered voters/turnout	2,597,530	52.5
Source: Nohlen & Stöver