Albanian monarchy referendum, 1997

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A referendum on restoring the monarchy was held in Albania on 29 June 1997 alongside parliamentary elections.[1] The proposal was rejected by 66.7% of voters,[2] although Crown Prince Leka claimed that 65.7% voted in favour.[3]

Results

Choice Votes %
For 450,478 33.3
Against 904,359 66.7
Invalid blank votes 68,372
Total 1,423,209 100
Registered voters/turnout 1,986,550 71.64
Source: Direct Democracy

Reactions

The royal family House of Zogu never accepted the official result of the referendum. After the publication of the result by the Central Election Commission of Albania, during the 1997 rebellion in Albania, Leka returned again, this time being greeted by 2,000 supporters.[4] A referendum was held in Albania concerning a monarchical restoration. After a recount it was announced that the restoration was rejected by approximately two-thirds of those voting.[5] The Crown Prince questioned the independence of the election. Police intervened, gunfire broke out, one person was killed, and Leka fled.

On 30 November 2011, after the death of Leka the Prime Minister of Albania, Sali Berisha admitted that there was vote manipulation in the referendum, and that the monarchy should have been restored. Berisha blamed the manipulation on the "flames of communist rebellion".[6]

References

  1. Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p133 ISBN 978-3-8329-5609-7
  2. Nohlen & Stöver, p137
  3. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. Ex-king's son returns to Albania, BBC News Online, 28 June 2002.
  6. Kryeministri PM Berisha offers condolences at Leka Zogu I passing away, Keshilli i Ministrave 2011-11-30