May 1990 Colombian Constitutional Assembly referendum
27 May 1990
To strengthen participatory democracy, do you vote for the convocation of a Constitutional Assembly with representation of the social, political and regional forces of the nation, democratically and popularly integrated to reform the Political Constitution of Colombia?
A referendum on electing a Constitutional Assembly was held in Colombia on 27 May 1990 alongside presidential elections.[1] The proposal was approved by 96% of voters.[1] A Constitutional Assembly was later elected in December 1990 and produced the 1991 constitution.
Background
After the murder of presidential candidate Luis Carlos Galán in August 1989, students started a movement calling for a referendum "for peace and democracy" to be held on 21 January 1990.[2] However, under pressure from drug cartels, the government rejected the proposal. The students then set up the "We can still save Colombia" movement, which called for a referendum alongside the general elections on 11 March 1990 on establishing a Constitutional Assembly. The referendum saw 2,235,493 vote in favour and 117,000 vote against.[2]
Following the unofficial referendum, President Virgilio Barco Vargas issued decree 927 on 3 May calling a referendum on electing a Constitutional Assembly alongside the presidential elections on 27 May.[1] Although this was in violation of article 114[3] of the constitution, which gave Congress sole rights to reform the constitution, the referendum was approved by the Supreme Court.[1]
