2014 Uruguayan constitutional referendum

A constitutional referendum, officially referred to as the referendum to lower the age of criminal responsibility (Spanish: plebiscito para bajar la edad de imputabilidad), was held in Uruguay on 26 October 2014, alongside general elections. Voters were asked whether Article 43 of the Constitution should be amended to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 18 to 16.[1] The proposal was rejected by 53% of voters.

2014 Uruguayan constitutional referendum
26 October 2014
Hold criminally responsible and punish according to provisions of the Penal Code those over 16 and under 18 years of age. Maintain records of those under 16 in conflict with criminal law
Results
Choice
 Votes  %
Yes 1,110,283 46.81%
No 1,261,834 53.19%
Valid votes 2,372,117 100.00%
Invalid or blank votes 0 0.00%
Total votes 2,372,117 100.00%
Registered voters/turnout 2,620,235 90.53%
Politics of Uruguay
Constitution
Executive
Legislative
Judiciary
Administrative divisions
Elections
Foreign relations
See also
flag Uruguay portal
Ballot paper.

Background

During the electoral campaign for the 2009 elections, security was a significant issue, with criticism of the Broad Front government from the two main opposition parties, the National Party and the Colorado Party, regarding its handling of the issue. Towards the second half of 2010, several bills had been created that were aimed at modifying the legal framework that governs crimes committed by young people between 16 and 18 years of age, either by toughening the penalties, judging them as adults, or maintaining their legal record once they came of age.[2]

On 17 April 2012, the signatures aimed at enabling a plebiscite were delivered to the Electoral Court, which were verified on 6 September, exceeding the 250,000 (10% of those authorized to vote) necessary to hold the vote.[3]

Results
Choice Votes %
For1,110,28346.81
Against1,261,83453.19
Total2,372,117100
Registered voters/turnout2,620,23590.53
Source: Corte Electoral

References
  1. IACHR Office of the Rapporteur on the Rights of the Child Wraps Up Visit to Uruguay and Speaks Out against Reducing the Age of Criminal Responsibility Organisation of American States, 16 September 2014
  2. "CDN advierte perjuicios sobre Uruguay si se baja la edad de imputabilidad". LARED21 (in Spanish). 26 October 2010. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
  3. "Corte Electoral: habrá plebiscito para bajar edad de imputabilidad, tras validar firmas". LARED21 (in Spanish). 7 September 2012. Retrieved 23 December 2020.


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