2002 Pakistani referendum

2002 Pakistani referendum

30 April 2002 (2002-04-30)

For the survival of the local government system, establishment of democracy, continuity of reforms, end to sectarianism and extremism, and to fulfill the vision of Quaid-i-Azam, would you like to elect President General Pervez Musharraf as President of Pakistan for five years?
Results
Choice
Votes %
Yes 42,741,345 97.97%
No 883,676 2.03%
Valid votes 43,625,021 99.36%
Invalid or blank votes 282,935 0.64%
Total votes 43,907,956 100.00%

A referendum on allowing Pervez Musharraf to continue as President for five years was held in Pakistan on 30 April 2002.[1] The proposal was approved by 97.97% of voters.[1] However, the referendum was boycotted by the opposition on the basis that it was unconstitutional.[2] Although turnout was reported to be 56.1%,[1] the opposition claimed it was between 5% and 7%.[3] The poll was criticised for being "marred by gross irregularities" by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.[4]