Slovenian independence referendum, 1990

An independence referendum was held in the Republic of Slovenia on 23 December 1990. Both the ruling centre-right coalition and the left-wing opposition supported the referendum and called on voters to support Slovenian independence.

The voters were asked the question: "Should the Republic of Slovenia become an independent and sovereign state?" (Slovene: Ali naj Republika Slovenija postane samostojna in neodvisna država?). The Slovenian Parliament set a threshold for the validity of the plebiscite at 50% and one of all electors (the absolute majority).

Results

On 26 December the results of the referendum were officially proclaimed by France Bučar in the Assembly. 88.5% of all electors (94.8% of those participating) had voted in favour of independence, therefore exceeding the threshold. 4.0% had voted against independence, while 0.9% had cast invalid ballots, and 0.1% had returned their ballots unused. 6.5% of electors did not participate in the elections.

Bučar's announcement obliged the Slovenian authorities to declare the independence of the country within six months. On 25 June 1991 the Basic Constitutional Charter on the Sovereignty and Independence of the Republic of Slovenia was passed and independence was declared the following day.

Entitled to vote
Total	1,499,294
Included in the electoral registers	1,496,860
Voted with certificate	2,434
Voted
Total	1,361,738
At polling stations	1,329,523
Before polling day	19,233
Not in place of residence	12,982
Number of voters total	1,457,020
Choice	Votes	%
Yes	1,289,369	88.5
No	57,800	4.0
Invalid ballot papers	12,412	0.9
Returned ballot papers	2,157	0.1
Did not vote	95,282	6.5
Source: Stat.si, Archives of Slovenia

^a 2,434 people were not registered to vote, but could do so using certificates issued.

^b 42,274 people could not vote, because they worked abroad or were involved in military service or military exercises, and were not counted in the calculation of results.