A political analysis of the 1983 referendum in the Republic of South Africa

[摘要] The aim of this historical-analytical study is toexamine the 1983 referendum in South Africa. On 2November 1983 the white electorate was asked to voteon the Republic of South Africa Constitution Act,1983, (Act 110 of 1983). The theoretical frameworkof referendums in general is considered, as is thecorrelation between referendums, participation anddemocracy.Previous referendums in South Africa are discussedwith a view to examining the form and structure thatthe South African referendum appears in. The 1983referendum regulations and legislation are examined,and from this it is clear that the 1983 referendumrepresented a consultative or plebiscitaryreferendum rather than a constitutionally-requiredreferendum. However, even though there is no statutewhich obliges a South African goverment -of -the-dayto heed the outcome of the referendum, Prime Minister Botha had announced that he would honourthe outcome of the 1983 referendum.From the result of the 1983 referendum, it was clearthat many voters believed the constitutionalproposals to be another step in the reform process.It was during the parliamentary debate on the 1983constitution bill that the Prime Minister announcedthat the constitutional proposals would be submittedto the white electorate in the form of a referendum.Political actorsyes, no, orcampaigned forabstention ofvariousspoiltoptions;ballot.Although the outcome of the referendum was asignificant two-to-one majority for the yes''parties, the referendum also helped define the moreconservative geographic areas. The outcome thussecured a mandate for the National Party to embarkon further reforms. The one aspect thatcharacterised both the referendum campaign and theoutcome was the question of black political rights.On the right-wing, sell t imen ts we1~e that the nextproposals from the National Party would lead to theen£ ranch i semen t of blacks, while moderates and theleft wing felt that the status 9uo was notsufficient and some attempt had to be made ataddress black political aspirations.

[发布机构] University of Pretoria