1944 Icelandic constitutional referendum

A constitutional referendum was held inIcelandbetween 20 and 23 May 1944.The 1 December 1918Danish–Icelandic Act of Uniondeclared Iceland to be a sovereign state separate fromDenmark,but maintained the two countries in apersonal union,with the King of Denmark also being the King of Iceland. In the two-part referendum, voters were asked whether theUnion with Denmarkshould be abolished, and whether to adopt a newrepublicanconstitution. Both measures were approved, each with more than 98% in favour. Voter turnout was 98.4% overall,and 100% in two constituencies, Seyðisfirði and Vestur-Skaftafjellssýsla.

Results

Question	For		Against		Invalid/ blank	Total votes	Registered voters	Turnout	Result
	Votes	%	Votes	%
Abolition of the Act of Union	71,122	99.5	377	0.5	1,559	73,058	74,272	98.4	Approved
New constitution	69,435	98.5	1,051	1.5	2,572				Approved
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Aftermath

The union with Denmark was dissolved on 17 June 1944. Since Denmark was stilloccupiedbyNazi Germany,many Danes felt offended that the step was taken at that time. Nevertheless, KingChristian X of Denmarksent a message of congratulations toIcelanders.

The Republican celebration was held inÞingvelliron 17 June 1944. At 13:30, Prime MinisterBjörn Þórðarsonset the celebrations going, after which a religious ceremony was held. The Icelandic flag was raised and the members of the parliament rose from their seats as church bells rang. All declared unilaterally thatIcelandwould henceforth be a republic. The members of parliament thenchoseSveinn Björnssonas the first president. Sveinn had beenregentof Iceland and the King's representative during the war years. He was the only president not elected directly by the people of Iceland.

See also

• Iceland during World War II