A referendum on whether Antonio López de Santa Anna should remain president, and if not, who should replace him, was held in Mexico on 1 December 1854. The proposal was approved by 99% of voters. On 11 December Santa Anna ordered reprisal measures against those who had voted no; the ballot was not secret. On 2 January 1855 he declared that the country had confirmed his position in office. He was subsequently overthrown on 8 December that year.
Background.
Santa Anna took over as president for a year in 1853. On taking office on 20 April, he abolished the 1824 constitution and ruled as a dictator. On 16 December he declared himself President for Life. After the Plan of Ayutla was proclaimed in March 1854, aimed at reinstituting the 1824 constitution, a revolt started. As it spread, the decision was made to hold a referendum.
However, the press was only allowed to announce the referendum on the day it was held. Voting was not secret and voters had to name and sign their ballots.
Results.
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The second question was:
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References.
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