Estonia
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
b. No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Source: Arne Koitmäe, Elections Department
Last updated: 2006-12-20 15:20:38 UTC
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
a. "Equality" of population
d. Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Source: Arne Koitmäe, Elections Department
Last updated: 2006-12-20 15:20:38 UTC
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Arne Koitmäe
b. Job Title: Advisor
c. Organisation: Chancellery of the Riigikogu
d. Contact Address. Riigikogu, Lossi plats 1a, 15615 Tallinn, Estonia
e. Telephone: +372 6316540
f. Facsimile: +372 6316541
g. Email: arne.koitmae@riigikogu.ee
Last updated: 2006-11-29 09:58:42 UTC
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
a. Mandatory referendum
b. Optional referendum
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, art. 56, 65, 105 and 162-168
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:00:33 UTC
DD03 What is the legal basis for mandatory referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, art. 56, 65, 105 and 162-168; Decision of the Riigikogu to hold a referendum; The Referendum Act; Riigikogu Rules of Procedures Act, Chapters 13-14
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:15:36 UTC
DD04 What is the legal basis for optional referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, art. 56, 65, 105 and 162-168; Decision of the Riigikogu to hold a referendum; The Referendum Act; Riigikogu Rules of Procedures Act, Chapters 13-14
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:15:36 UTC
DD05 What is the legal basis for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:07:32 UTC
DD06 What is the legal basis for agenda initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:07:32 UTC
DD07 What is the legal basis for recalls at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:07:32 UTC
DD08 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
c. Regulations
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia; The Referendum Act; Regulations of the National Election Committee
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:18:27 UTC
DD09 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
c. Regulations
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia; The Referendum Act; Regulations of the National Election Committee
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:23:32 UTC
DD10 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:23:32 UTC
DD100 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an agenda initiative?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:48:27 UTC
DD101 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a recall?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:48:27 UTC
DD102 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a referendum?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:48:27 UTC
DD103 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a citizens' initiative?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:48:27 UTC
DD104 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:48:27 UTC
DD105 Who is responsible for checking the signatures?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:48:27 UTC
DD106 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a referendum?
f. Other (specify)
Comments: f) The National Election Committee conducts a voter education campaign, this is limited on information on how to and when to vote. There is no specific legislation covering this question.
Source: The Referendum Act, art. 14(3)
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:53:42 UTC
DD107 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in an initiative?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 15:10:38 UTC
DD108 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a recall?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 15:10:38 UTC
DD109 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a referendum?
c. Radio broadcasts
d. TV broadcasts
f. Website
Comments: The campaign of the National Elections Committee is limited to radio and TV broadcasts and website publishing. Private individuals and political parties can use what methods they deem appropriate.
Last updated: 2006-11-29 15:23:12 UTC
DD11 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:23:32 UTC
DD110 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for an initiative?
i. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 15:25:13 UTC
DD111 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a recall?
i. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 15:25:13 UTC
DD112 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a referendum?
d. Restrictions on the sources of contributions
e. Disclosure requirements
Comments: There are no specific rules in the Referendum Act. The only general restrictions that apply concern the financing of political parties as specified in the Political Parties Act.
Source: The Referendum Act; the Political Parties Act, Chapter II
Last updated: 2006-11-29 15:27:42 UTC
DD113 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in an initiative?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 15:33:42 UTC
DD114 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a recall?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 15:33:42 UTC
DD115 What is the period during which these controls apply for a referendum?
c. Not applicable
Comments: c) No specified time. The Political Parties Act fixes the allowed sources of income and also requires to publish these sources. These rules are applied regardless if there is a referendum or not.
Last updated: 2006-11-29 15:33:42 UTC
DD116 What is the period during which these controls apply for an initiative?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 15:34:34 UTC
DD117 What is the period during which these controls apply for a recall?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 15:34:34 UTC
DD118 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a referendum? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
e. Other (specify)
Comments: e) There are no set rules.
Last updated: 2006-11-29 15:39:25 UTC
DD119 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for an initiative? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 15:39:25 UTC
DD12 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:23:32 UTC
DD120 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a recall? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 15:39:25 UTC
DD121 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a referendum?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. None
Comments: f) There are no rules regarding the referendums.
Last updated: 2006-11-29 15:43:24 UTC
DD122 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for an initiative?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 15:43:24 UTC
DD123 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a recall?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 15:43:24 UTC
DD124 If free media access is provided, what are the criteria for allocating broadcast time / printing space?
b. Not applicable X
Comments: There are no specific rules regarding the referendums. The Public Broadcasting Act art. 1(1) states: "Upon granting transmission time to a political party or a political movement to present its positions, a broadcaster shall also provide an opportunity to grant transmission time in the same programme service for other political parties or movements without undue delay.
Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:02:40 UTC
DD126 What restrictions or controls, if any, are there on media coverage of the campaign and/or issue during the relevant period?
Comments: There is a campaigning ban on the referendum day.
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:54:49 UTC
DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level?
Date (yyyy)
a. Mandatory referendum 1920 (1919)
b. Optional referendum 1920 (1919 )
Comments: a-b) First by the decree law of the Constituent Assembly, 1919. It was never actually implemented since the Constituent Assembly adopted the 1st constitution of Estonia in 1920 which was accompanied by a new law on referendums and citizens’ initiative. The current 1992 constitution of Estonia does not mention citizens’ initiative.
Last updated: 2007-05-23 08:24:44 UTC
DD14 When was an administrative framework for direct democracy mechanisms first introduced at the national level? Date (yyyy)
a. Mandatory referendum 1920 (1919)
b. Optional referendum 1920 (1919)
Comments: a-b) First by the decree law of the Constituent Assembly, 1919. It was never actually implemented since the the Constituent Assembly adopted the 1st constitution of Estonia in 1920 which was accompanied by a new law on referendums and citizens’ initiative. The current 1992 constitution of Estonia does not mention citizens’ initiative.
Last updated: 2007-05-23 08:25:45 UTC
DD15 Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
b. Independent electoral commission
Comments: b) The National Election Commission.
Source: The Referendum Act, art. 17(1)
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:31:18 UTC
DD16 Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
a. Yes
Source: Riigikogu Election Act, art. 15(1); The European Parliament Election Act, art 13(1)
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:31:18 UTC
DD17 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:43:50 UTC
DD18 Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:43:50 UTC
DD19 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:43:50 UTC
DD20 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:43:50 UTC
DD21 Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:43:50 UTC
DD22 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:51:38 UTC
DD23 Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Source: Local Government Council Organisation Act, art. 15(2)
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:51:38 UTC
DD24 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:51:38 UTC
DD25 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Source: Local Government Council Organisation Act, art. 32(1)
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:51:38 UTC
DD26 Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:51:38 UTC
DD27 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
Comments: a) Chapter I "General Provisions" and Chapter XV "Amendment of the Constitution" of the Constitution may be amended only by a referendum. So if one of the above-listed issues arises it would have to be determined first whether it requires a change in Chapter I or XV of the constitution.
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, art. 162
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:59:22 UTC
DD28 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
j. Other (specify)
Comments: a) Except in the case of mandatory referendum, the constitution can be amended either by referendum or by the parliament. j) A bill or any other national issue except the issues listed in art. 106 of the Constitution
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, art. 105-106 and 163
Last updated: 2007-05-23 08:26:18 UTC
DD29 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
b. Adoption of international treaties
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
j. Other (specify)
Comments: j) C:106 "Issues regarding the budget, taxation, financial obligations of the state, ratification and denunciation of international treaties, the declaration or termination of a state of emergency, or national defence shall not be submitted to a referendum."
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, art. 106
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:03:25 UTC
DD30 Which issues, if any, maybe the subject of sub-national referendums regulated at the national level?
e. None
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:03:25 UTC
DD31 Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
c. President
f. Other (specify)
Comments: c-f) C:161 "(1) The right to initiate amendment of the Constitution rests with not less than one-fifth of the membership of the Riigikogu and with the President of the Republic." The Riigikogu Rules of Procedure Act, art. 128: "(1) The following have the right to initiate a referendum in order for a draft Act to be passed or a decision to be taken on another national issue: 1) members of the Riigikogu; 2) factions of the Riigikogu; 3) committees of the Riigikogu."
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, art. 161; The Riigikogu Rules of Procedure Act, art. 128
Last updated: 2007-05-23 08:26:18 UTC
DD32 Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
d. Legislature
f. Other (specify who)
Comments: d-f) When a draft law is put to referendum, then the question itself is not drafted but fixed by the law (The Referendum Act art. 30). If a national issue is put to referendum, the question is drafted by the parliament. The first version is presented by the initiator (The Riigikogu Rules Of Procedure Act art. 128 (3).
Source: The Referendum Act, art. 30; The Riigikogu Rules Of Procedure Act art. 128(3)
Last updated: 2007-05-23 08:26:18 UTC
DD33 Who is responsible for drafting the optional referendum question?
d. Legislature
f. Other (specify who)
Comments: d-f) When a draft law is put to referendum, then the question itself is not drafted but fixed by the law (The Referendum Act art. 30). If a national issue is put to referendum, the question is drafted by the parliament. The first version is presented by the initiator (The Riigikogu Rules Of Procedure Act art. 128 (3).
Source: The Referendum Act, art. 30; The Riigikogu Rules Of Procedure Act art. 128(3)
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:17:04 UTC
DD34 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?
a. The title of the proposal
d. The full text of the proposal
Comments: d) The parliament will decide whether to include the full text of the draft law on the ballot or not.
Source: The Referendum Act, art. 30
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:17:04 UTC
DD35 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the optional referendum question?
a. The title of the proposal
d. The full text of the proposal
Comments: d) The parliament will decide whether to include the full text of the draft law on the ballot or not.
Source: The Referendum Act, art. 30
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:17:04 UTC
DD36 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for mandatory referendums?
d. Legislature
Comments: d) When a draft law is put to referendum, then the question itself is not drafted but fixed by the law. The parliament can decide whether to include the text of the draft law on the ballot or not (The Referendum Act art. 30). If a national issue is put to referendum, the question is decided by the parliament (The Riigikogu Rules Of Procedure Act art. 130).
Source: The Referendum Act, art. 30; The Riigikogu Rules Of Procedure Act, art. 130
Last updated: 2007-05-23 08:26:18 UTC
DD37 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for optional referendums?
d. Legislature
Comments: d) When a draft law is put to referendum, then the question itself is not drafted but fixed by the law. The parliament can decide whether to include the text of the draft law on the ballot or not (The Referendum Act art. 30). If a national issue is put to referendum, the question is decided by the parliament (The Riigikogu Rules Of Procedure Act art. 130).
Source: The Referendum Act, art. 30; The Riigikogu Rules Of Procedure Act, art. 130
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:19:24 UTC
DD38 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a mandatory referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:53:42 UTC
DD39 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a optional referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:53:42 UTC
DD40 What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
a. Simple majority (>50%)
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, art. 105(2)
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:23:27 UTC
DD41 What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
a. Simple majority (>50%)
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, art. 105(2)
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:23:27 UTC
DD42 In which areas, if any, do regulatory provisions differ between a referendum and a national election?
Tick all that apply and specify below in the comments section.
g. None
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:24:47 UTC
DD43 When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
a. Always
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, art. 105(3)
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:24:47 UTC
DD44 When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
a. Always
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, art. 105(3)
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:24:47 UTC
DD45 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:24:47 UTC
DD46 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:28:11 UTC
DD47 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:28:11 UTC
DD48 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:28:11 UTC
DD49 Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:28:11 UTC
DD50 Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:29:17 UTC
DD51 What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:29:17 UTC
DD52 Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:29:17 UTC
DD53 Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:29:17 UTC
DD54 Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:29:17 UTC
DD55 Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:29:17 UTC
DD56 Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:31:43 UTC
DD57 If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, who is responsible for undertaking it?
f. Other (specify)
Comments: f) Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:31:43 UTC
DD58 If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:31:43 UTC
DD59 Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens’ initiative?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:31:43 UTC
DD60 At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:31:43 UTC
DD61 What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:33:17 UTC
DD62 When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:33:17 UTC
DD64 Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:33:17 UTC
DD65 Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
k. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:33:17 UTC
DD66 What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:33:17 UTC
DD67 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to the time period in which an individual/position can be recalled?
b. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:56:47 UTC
DD68 If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:36:38 UTC
DD69 When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:36:38 UTC
DD70 If a separate ballot to replace an individual who has been recalled takes place, how soon after the recall ballot is it held?
b. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:56:47 UTC
DD71 Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:36:38 UTC
DD72 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:56:47 UTC
DD73 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:56:47 UTC
DD74 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a citizens' initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:56:47 UTC
DD75 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an agenda initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2006-11-30 09:56:47 UTC
DD76 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional) has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:36:38 UTC
DD77 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a rejective referendum (optional) has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:36:38 UTC
DD78 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a citizens' initiative has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:36:38 UTC
DD79 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an agenda initiative has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:36:38 UTC
DD80 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:41:12 UTC
DD81 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:41:12 UTC
DD82 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:41:12 UTC
DD83 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an agenda initiative?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:41:12 UTC
DD84 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a recall?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:02:40 UTC
DD85 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for recall has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:41:12 UTC
DD86 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a recall?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:02:40 UTC
DD87 Where can proposals for an abrogative referendum (optional) be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:42:23 UTC
DD88 Where can proposals for a rejective referendum (optional) be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:42:23 UTC
DD89 Where can proposals for a citizens' initiative be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:42:23 UTC
DD90 Where can proposals for an agenda initiative be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:42:23 UTC
DD91 Where can proposals for a recall be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:42:23 UTC
DD92 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:42:23 UTC
DD93 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:44:18 UTC
DD94 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:44:18 UTC
DD95 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an agenda initiative?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:44:18 UTC
DD96 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a recall?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:44:18 UTC
DD97 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:45:09 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution National Election Committee (Vabariigi Valimiskomisjon)
b. Full Address Lossi plats 1A, 15181 Tallinn, Estonia
c. Telephone +372 6316540
d. Facsimile +372 6316541
e. Email val@riigikogu.ee
f. Website Address http://www.vvk.ee
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Mr Heiki Sibul
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections Estonian
Source: Arne Koitmäe, Elections Department
Last updated: 2006-12-20 15:18:56 UTC
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
c. Local level
d. Other kinds of elections (church, union, etc.) Please specify.
Comments: d) Elections of the President of the Republic (both the parliament and the electoral body), elections of the Chairman and vice-Chairmen of the Riigikogu, Elections to the European Parliament, Referendums
Source: Arne Koitmäe, Elections Department. Riigikogu Election Act, Local Government Council Election Act, Election of the President of the Republic Act, Riigikogu Rules of Procedure Act.
Last updated: 2006-12-20 15:19:13 UTC
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
c. The legislature
Source: Arne Koitmäe, Elections Department.
Last updated: 2006-12-20 15:19:13 UTC
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
g. Other
Comments: g) National Audit Office of Estonia
Source: Arne Koitmäe, Elections Department.
Last updated: 2006-12-20 15:19:13 UTC
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
b. For a term of _________ years
Comments: 4 years
Source: Riigikogu Election Act § 10 (1)
Last updated: 2006-12-20 15:19:13 UTC
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
Last updated: 2006-12-20 15:18:56 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
Last updated: 2006-12-20 15:18:56 UTC
Electoral Systems
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
a. Part of Constitution
b. Separate legislation
d. Regulations or administrative rules
Source: Arne Koitmäe, Elections Department
Last updated: 2006-12-20 15:15:15 UTC
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
Comments: There are separate laws for every type of election.
Source: Arne Koitmäe, Elections Department
Last updated: 2006-12-20 15:15:15 UTC
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary
Source: International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
Last updated: 2006-11-21 18:28:30 UTC
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Mr Arne Koitmäe
c. Organisation: Elections Department, Chancellery of the Riigikogu
e. Telephone: +372 631 6540
Last updated: 2006-12-21 08:21:18 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2006-12-21 08:21:18 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
Last updated: 2006-12-21 08:21:18 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
Last updated: 2006-12-21 08:21:18 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2006-12-21 08:21:18 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
Last updated: 2006-12-21 08:21:18 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
g. Other (specify)
Comments: g) It is up to the TV and radio stations and newspapers to specify the rules.
Source: Arne Koitmäe, Elections Department, Chancellery of the Riigikogu
Last updated: 2006-12-21 08:21:18 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising X
Comments: The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising. However, the § 5 (1) of The Riigikogu Election Act prohibits any active campaigning after the date of registration of the candidates.
Source: Arne Koitmäe, Elections Department, Chancellery of the Riigikogu
Last updated: 2006-12-21 08:21:18 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
Last updated: 2006-12-21 08:21:18 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
Last updated: 2006-12-21 08:21:18 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2006-12-21 08:21:18 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
Last updated: 2006-12-21 08:21:18 UTC
ME59 Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
a. Yes, in presidential elections
b. Yes, in legislative elections
Source: Arne Koitmäe, Elections Department, Chancellery of the Riigikogu
Last updated: 2006-12-21 08:21:18 UTC
ME60 What legal requirements, if any, regulate the participation of candidates or party representatives in media debates?
Last updated: 2006-12-21 08:21:18 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
b. Deposit requirement (specify amount)
f. Other
Comments: b) – 6000 kr for 2007 Riigikogu elections, f) Party must be registered,
Source: Riigikogu Election Act § 30 (5), Riigikogu Election Act § 26 (1)
Last updated: 2006-12-20 15:42:00 UTC
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable
Source: Arne Koitmäe, Elections Department
Last updated: 2006-12-20 15:42:00 UTC
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
j. Other
Comments: A person who has been divested of his or her active legal capacity to vote by the court; a person who has been convicted of a criminal offence and is serving a prison sentence.
Source: Riigikogu Election Act § 4
Last updated: 2006-12-20 15:42:00 UTC
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
k. Not applicable
Source: Arne Koitmäe, Elections Department
Last updated: 2006-12-20 15:42:00 UTC
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
b. In presidential elections
c. In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Comments: In presidential elections if the parliament has been unable to elect the president, any 21 members of the electoral body can nominate a candidate (presidential elections are not direct elections).
Source: The Constitution, § 79 (5), Riigikogu Election Act § 27
Last updated: 2006-12-20 15:42:00 UTC
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
b. Direct
Source: Arne Koitmäe, Elections Department
Last updated: 2006-12-20 15:42:00 UTC
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
b. Based on result of previous election
Comments:
Source: The Political Party Act, § 125 (1) (2)
Last updated: 2006-12-20 15:42:00 UTC
Vote Counting
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations
Source: Riigikogu Election Act § 57
Last updated: 2006-12-21 07:56:41 UTC
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
b. Always recounted
d. By request
Comments: d) If the county election committee or National Election Committee will find it necessary (for example if a formal complaint is filed)
Source: Riigikogu Election Act § 60
Last updated: 2006-12-21 07:56:41 UTC
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
d. National Government
f. Local Governments
h. Political parties/ candidates
i. Media
Comments: Depends largely on the specific elections.
Source: Arne Koitmäe, Elections Department
Last updated: 2006-12-20 15:22:50 UTC
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
b. Election time only
Source: Arne Koitmäe, Elections Department
Last updated: 2006-12-20 15:22:50 UTC
VE03 Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
e. Yes, conducted by the Government
Comments: e) Not all data have have been collected on general civic education campaigns in order to give a definitive answer.
Source: Arne Koitmäe, Elections Department
Last updated: 2006-12-20 15:22:50 UTC
Voting Operations
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
d. At specially designated polling stations
f. By mail
j. Other
Comments: During advance polls (6-4 days before election day) there is at least 1 polling station in every municipality where people can vote irrespective of their designated polling station; in addition to this there are polling stations in every county centre open at 13-9 days before election day (15 stations in total). Voting is held (by written request of the voter) at voter’s home and place of residence. Voting by mail is limited to voters staying permanently or temporarily abroad. Voting is possible from home by Internet.
Source: Riigikogu Election Act, art. 38-47, 52-54.
Last updated: 2007-01-04 14:03:24 UTC
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
b. Citizens residing outside the country
c. Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation)
d. Members of the armed forces
e. Students
f. Diplomatic staff
Source: Riigikogu Election Act, chapter 8.
Last updated: 2007-01-04 13:58:06 UTC
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
a. Embassies
b. Consulates
e. By mail
f. Other
Comments: f) Electronic voting
Source: Riigikogu Election Act, art 49 (1), (2), 52, 53
Last updated: 2007-01-04 14:03:24 UTC
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Last updated: 2007-01-04 13:56:28 UTC
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
c. 18
Comments: 18 years
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Estonia § 57, Riigikogu Election Act § 4 (1)
Last updated: 2006-12-20 15:26:29 UTC
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
e. Other
Comments: Riigikogu Election Act § 4: § 4. Right to vote and to stand as candidate (1) Estonian citizens who have attained 18 years of age by election day have the right to vote. (2) A person who has been divested of his or her active legal capacity by a court does not have the right to vote. (3) A person who has been convicted of a criminal offence by a court and is imprisoned shall not participate in voting. (4) Estonian citizens who have attained 21 years of age by the last day for the registration of candidates have the right to stand as candidates. (5) A person who has been divested of his or her active legal capacity by a court does not have the right to stand as a candidate. (6) A person who has been convicted of a criminal offence by a court and is imprisoned shall not stand as a candidate for election to the Riigikogu.
Source: Riigikogu Election Act § 4
Last updated: 2006-12-20 15:26:29 UTC
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
e. Other
Comments: e) The Population Register
Source: Riigikogu Election Act § 20, The Population Register Act
Last updated: 2006-12-20 15:26:29 UTC
May 20, 2008 07:18 AM
