2006 Catalan Statute of Autonomy referendum facts for kids

2006 Catalan Statute of Autonomy referendum
"Do you approve of the Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia Bill?"
Location	Catalonia
Date	18 June 2006
Quick facts for kids Results Votes  % Y Yes 1,899,897 78.07% N No 533,742 21.93% Valid votes 2,433,639 93.81% Invalid or blank votes 160,528 6.19% Total votes 2,594,167 100.00% Registered voters/turnout 5,310,103 48.85%

A referendum is a special vote where people get to decide on an important law. On 18 June 2006, people in Catalonia, a region in Spain, voted in a referendum. They were asked if they approved a new set of rules for their region. These rules are called the Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia.

The Statute of Autonomy is like a special rulebook for a region. It explains how the region is governed and what powers it has. Catalonia already had a Statute from 1979, but this new one aimed to give the region more control over its own affairs.

Before the people voted, this new rulebook had to be approved by the Spanish parliament. This parliament has two main parts: the Congress of Deputies and the Spanish Senate. Both parts approved the new Statute earlier in 2006.

The question on the ballot was: "Do you approve of the Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia Bill?" (in Catalan: Aprova el Projecte d'Estatut d'Autonomia de Catalunya?). Most people who voted said "yes." About 78.1% of the valid votes were in favor. However, less than half of the people who could vote actually did, with a turnout of 48.9%.

Because the "yes" votes won, the new Statute of Autonomy was approved. It officially replaced the older 1979 Statute. The King of Spain approved it on 19 July, and it became law on 20 July 2006.

What is a Referendum?

A referendum is a direct vote where all the people in a country or region can vote on a specific proposal. It is different from a normal election where people vote for politicians. In a referendum, people vote directly on a law or a big decision.

This type of vote lets citizens have a direct say in important matters. It is a way for governments to get the public's opinion on major changes.

Understanding the Catalan Statute of Autonomy

The Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia is a very important document. It is like a constitution for the region of Catalonia. It sets out the powers and responsibilities of the Catalan government.

It defines how Catalonia can manage its own schools, healthcare, and other public services. It also describes the relationship between Catalonia and the central government of Spain. The 2006 Statute aimed to give Catalonia more self-governance.

Results of the Vote

The referendum asked a clear question to the people of Catalonia. They had to decide if they wanted the new Statute of Autonomy.

How People Voted in Each Province

The votes were counted in different parts of Catalonia, called provinces. Here is a summary of how each province voted. The "Yes" votes were the majority in all provinces.

See also

• 2007 Andalusian Statute of Autonomy referendum