2013 Tikatan Act of Succession referendum

A referendum on amending the Tikatan Act of Succession, the rules governing the succession to the Tikatan throne, was held in Tikata on 17 February 2013, simultaneously with the Federal Elections.

The law, which passed with 84.15% of the popular vote, eliminates male-preference primogeniture in favour of absolute primogeniture, resulting in sons losing precedence over daughters in the line of succession. At its adoption the law did not affect anyone then in the line of succession: the King's two oldest children are both male, and they are followed by two younger sisters. Law affect only future descendants of Tikatan King.

Background

Discussion about the change in line of succession started in Tikata in 2002.

In parliament

Under the rules for change of constitution, the law must be passed by two Parliaments, before and after an election, and then approved by a referendum. The law was passed in 2007 with only members voting in favour. The law was passed again by the next Parliament on 4 May 2012 with one abstention. It was then submitted to a referendum. No other changes would be made to the constitution.

Skepticism from opposition

There was skepticism from the opposition to the proposal, especially from Republican Party of Tikata (RPT) who called for abolition of the monarchy.

Procedure

Changes to the act of succession in Tikata follow the same rules as changes to the constitution. First, it must be passed by parliament, then passed in unchanged form by the next parliament following parliamentary elections, and then be submitted to a public referendum. In order for the law to be approved in the referendum, it must get both a majority of votes cast in favour and at least 40% of all eligible voters voting in favour.

Opinion polling, shows that big majority of voters (in December 2012 nearly 82%) will vote in favor.

Campaign and positions

In late May, the government launched an official campaign, It was instantly criticized for being one-sided, undemocratic and patronizing.

According to some rumors, King personally opposes those changes.

Results

Referendum was held on 17 February 2013.

Tikatan Act of Succession referendum, 2013
Choice	Votes	Percentage
Yes	24,093,895	84.15%
No	4,538,185	15.85%
Valid votes	28,632,080	95.74%
Invalid or blank votes	1,273,999	4.26%
Total votes	29,906,079	100.00%
Voter turnout	81.27%
Turnout required	50.00%
Electorate	36,798,425