February 12, 1975 (Wed.) The 4th National Referendum

The ‘Reform (Yushin) system’ of the 4th Republic was resisted by the public and opposition parties, causing a political instability. In response, through a special statement on January 22, 1975, President Park, Chung-hee pledged to hold a confidence vote on the government and a national referendum to ask people about yes or no to the ‘Reform (Yushin) Constitution.’ The date for the vote was set on February 12.
The responsibility for giving instructions and information on the national referendum which had been temporarily taken by the National Election Commission for the 3rd National Referendum under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the National Referendum was determined as part of the Commission’s legitimate work according to the National Referendum Act revised in 1973. Accordingly, the National Election Commission took activities relevant to the responsibility in full force. They distributed guiding or instructional materials for the national referendum and hosted a conference of guidance and instruction after appointing more number of personnel in charge to 35,738 from only 4,503 at the time of the 3rd National Referendum.
Political parties’ observation had not been allowed while voting or ballot-counting and the observers had been designated by the National Election Commission. Under the circumstances, the Commission decided to ask the Democratic Republican Party and New People’s Party to recommend observers in order to enhance fairness in the process of voting. But the New People’s Party refused to follow the request.
As a result, 79.8% or 13,404,245 out of 16,788,839 voters cast a vote and, among them, 73.1% or 9,800,201 said yes, passing the agenda.