1996 Slovenian electoral system referendum

A referendum on the electoral system was held in Slovenia on 8 December 1996.[1] Voters were given three options to approve or not; a compensatory system, a two-round majority system and a proportional representation system at a national level.[2] Due to the low turnout of 37.9%, none of the proposals crossed the legal threshold and the results were invalidated.[3] However, in 1998 the results were revisited by the Constitutional Court, who found that the two round majority system had been approved.

Results

Option A: Compensatory system

The compensatory system was proposed by the National Assembly. It would have 44 single member constituencies complemented by a list vote using proportional representation which would produce a proportional seat total.[3]

Choice	Votes	%
For	83,864	15.9
Against	237,041	45.0
Invalid/blank votes	56,907	–
Total	583,297	100
Registered voters/turnout	1,537,529	37.9
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Option B: Two-round majority system

The two-round majority system would have 88 single member constituencies. It was proposed by the Social Democratic Party of Slovenia and 43,710 voters.[3]

Choice	Votes	%
For	259,687	49.3
Against	139,384	26.5
Invalid/blank votes	56,907	–
Total	583,297	100
Registered voters/turnout	1,537,529	37.9
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Option C: Proportional representation system

Option C was proposed by 30 members of the National Assembly.[3]

Choice	Votes	%
For	152,784	29.0
Against	207,965	39.5
Invalid/blank votes	56,907	–
Total	583,297	100
Registered voters/turnout	1,537,529	37.9
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

References

1. Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1778 ISBN 978-3-8329-5609-7
2. Nohlen & Stöver, p1784
3. Nohlen & Stöver, p1767