|
total countries/territories: 121
|
|---|
| Country/Territory |
Answers |
Comments |
Verified |
|
Afghanistan
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2006/10/27
|
|
Albania
|
d. Not applicable
|
There are no mnadatory referendum.
Source:
constitution art 150 et seq. 177
|
2005/03/17
|
|
Algeria
|
a. Always
|
Source:
Article 175, Constitution
|
2005/04/29
|
|
Andorra
|
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
|
|
2006/10/26
|
|
Argentina
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2021/12/26
|
|
Armenia
|
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
|
|
2005/03/30
|
|
Australia
|
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
|
|
2006/10/30
|
|
Austria
|
a. Always
|
Note that there is an additional category of a referendum, the so-called Volksbefragung, which is not binding. See comment under A.1.1.
Source:
Art. 41 ff B-VG.
|
2005/04/26
|
|
Azerbaijan
|
a. Always
|
|
2006/10/30
|
|
Bahamas
|
a. Always
|
Source:
The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB) Art. 54 (2.ii and 3.ii) and 63 (3), and Constitutional Referendum Act (CRA) Art. 2
|
2006/11/15
|
|
Bahrain
|
c. Never
|
The King has the final decision
Source:
constitution
|
2005/05/01
|
|
Bangladesh
|
a. Always
|
C:142 "Power to amend any provision of the Constitution [(1)] Notwithstanding anything contained in this Constitution - (a) any provision thereof may by [amended by way of addition, alteration, substitution or repeal] by Act of Parliament: Provided that- (i) no Bill for such amendment 91* * shall be allowed to proceed unless the long title thereof expressly states that it will amend a provision of the Constitution; (ii) no such Bill shall be presented to the President for assent unless it is passed by the votes of not less than two-thirds of the total number of members of Parliament; (b) when a Bill passed as aforesaid is presented to the President for his assent he shall, within the period of seven days after the Bill is presented to him assent to the Bill, and if he fails so to do he shall be deemed to have assented to it on the expiration of that period. (1A) Notwithstanding anything contained in clause (1), when a Bill, passed as a aforesaid,, which provides for the amendment of the Preamble or any provisions of articles 8, 48, 56 or this article, is presented to the President for assent, the President, shall within the period of seven days, after the Bill is presented to him, cause to be referred to a referendum the question whether the Bill should or should not be assented to. (1B) A referendum under this article shall be conducted by the Election Commission, within such period and in such manner as may be provided by law, amongst the person enrolled on the electoral roll prepared for the purpose of election to [Parliament]. (1C) On the day on which the result of the referendum conducted in relation to a Bill under this article is declared, the President shal be deemed to have- (a) assented to the Bill, if the majority of the total votes cast are in favour of the Bill being assented to; or (b) Withheld assent therefrom, if the majority of the total votes cast are not in favour of the Bill being assented to.] 1D) Nothing in clause (1C) shall be deemed to be an expression of confidence or no-confidence in the Cabinet or Parliament] (2) Nothing in article 26 shall apply to any amendment made under this article.]"
Source:
The Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, article 142
|
2006/11/27
|
|
Belarus
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2005/03/25
|
|
Belgium
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2012/05/04
|
|
Benin
|
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
|
Source:
Voir Chapitre 7(intitule:Du controle de la regularite du referendum et la proclamation des resultats) de la loi N°91-009 du 4 mars 1991 portant loi organique sur la cour constitutionnelle modifiee par la loi du 17 juin 1997 et mise en conformite avec la constitution le 11 juillet 2000.
|
2005/02/18
|
|
Bolivia
|
a. Always
|
Source:
Dr Salvador Romero Ballivian, Presidente, Corte Nacional Electoral
|
2007/01/12
|
|
Bosnia and Herzegovina
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2006/11/04
|
|
Botswana
|
a. Always
|
In terms of section 33 (1) of the Referendum Act, the Secretary must notify the Clerk of the National Assembly of the results of the referendum and publish the results in the Government Gazette.
Source:
The Constitution of Botswana, Section 89 (4); The Referendum Act of the Laws of Botswana, Chapter 02:10 section 3 and section 33
|
2006/10/17
|
|
Brazil
|
a. Always
|
Article 2. Plebiscites and referendums are consultations put to the people to deliberate on matters of significant relevance, of a constitutional, legislative, or administrative nature.
§ 1. The plebiscite is convened prior to a legislative or administrative act, allowing the people, through voting, to approve or deny what has been submitted to them.
§ 2. The referendum is convened after a legislative or administrative act, and it is the responsibility of the people to ratify or reject it.
Source:
Constitution of the Federative Republic of Brazil, 1988, Article 14, 49:
https://www.tse.jus.br/legislacao/codigo-eleitoral/constituicao-federal/constituicao-da-republica-federativa-do-brasil
Law on Elections, Law No. 9,504, September 30, 1997:
https://www.tse.jus.br/legislacao/codigo-eleitoral/lei-das-eleicoes/lei-das-eleicoes-lei-nb0-9.504-de-30-de-setembro-de-1997
Law No. 9,709, of November 18, 1998:
https://www.planalto.gov.br/Ccivil_03/leis/L9709.htm
Plebiscite and Referendum:
http://www.tse.jus.br/eleicoes/plebiscitos-e-referendos
|
2024/10/25
|
|
Bulgaria
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2006/11/03
|
|
Cambodia
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2006/11/06
|
|
Canada
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2006/11/27
|
|
Cape Verde
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2006/11/27
|
|
Chile
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2005/04/05
|
|
Colombia
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2005/06/23
|
|
Cook Islands
|
a. Always
|
Source:
Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
|
2007/01/08
|
|
Costa Rica
|
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
|
For an ordinary legislation, when at least 30% of the citizenry; an 40% for constitutional amendements and every othe issue that requires legislative approval by a qualified majority.
Source:
C: 102.
Referendum Law: 4.
|
2007/10/08
|
|
Croatia
|
a. Always
|
Source:
Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
|
2005/11/14
|
|
Cyprus
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2012/04/26
|
|
Czech Republic
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2006/11/27
|
|
Côte d'Ivoire
|
a. Always
|
Source:
Article 126 de la constitution
|
2005/04/07
|
|
Denmark
|
a. Always
|
|
2006/11/28
|
|
Ecuador
|
a. Always
|
Source:
Constitución Política: Art.,103
|
2005/04/26
|
|
Egypt
|
c. Never
|
They are only opinions; the president has the final decision
Source:
Articles 36 and 37, Political Rights Law.
Article 62, Constitution
|
2025/09/30
|
|
Eritrea
|
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
|
Whenever no complaints have been recieved within 72 hours after announcing preliminary results
Source:
Eritrean referendum proclamation no. 22/1992
|
2005/04/06
|
|
Estonia
|
a. Always
|
Source:
The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, art. 105(3)
|
2006/11/29
|
|
Ethiopia
|
d. Not applicable
|
Source:
NEB election manual
|
2007/09/12
|
|
Finland
|
d. Not applicable
|
See question A.1.1.
|
2005/04/14
|
|
France
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2012/05/03
|
|
Gambia
|
a. Always
|
|
2006/11/09
|
|
Georgia
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2006/11/30
|
|
Ghana
|
a. Always
|
As it is mandatory under the 1992 constitution
Source:
1992 Constitution
|
2005/12/15
|
|
Greece
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2012/04/13
|
|
Guam
|
d. Not applicable
|
Source:
Gerald A. Taitano, Executive Director, Guam Election Commission
|
2007/01/08
|
|
Hungary
|
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
|
b) When the turnout and approval quorum is fulfilled.
C:28/C "(6) A national ratification referendum shall be considered successful if more than half of the votes of the citizens voting are valid, but at least more than one-quarter of all eligible voters have given the same answer in the referendum."
Source:
The Constitution of the Republic of Hungary, art. 28/C(6)
|
2006/12/01
|
|
Iran, Islamic Republic of
|
a. Always
|
|
2016/01/23
|
|
Iraq
|
a. Always
|
Provided that other requirements in constitution are met
Source:
Jose Maria Aranaz, Legal Advisor, UN-EAD
|
2007/01/03
|
|
Israel
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2015/03/15
|
|
Italy
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2012/04/17
|
|
Japan
|
a. Always
|
If amendment has been ratified by people via referendum it shall be promulgated by emperor in the name of people.
Source:
The Constitution of Japan, art. 96
|
2007/01/07
|
|
Jordan
|
c. Never
|
The King has the final decision
Source:
constitution
|
2005/05/01
|
|
Kazakhstan
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2020/05/04
|
|
Kenya
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2006/11/30
|
|
Kiribati
|
a. Always
|
Source:
Betiota Tooki, Chief Electoral Officer, Government Ministry
|
2007/01/08
|
|
Korea, Republic of
|
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
|
b) C:130 "(2) The proposed amendments to the Constitution are submitted to a national referendum not later than thirty days after passage by the National Assembly, and are confirmed by more than one half of all votes cast by more than one half of voters eligible to vote in elections for members of the National Assembly."
Source:
The Constitution of the Republic of Korea, art. 130
|
2006/12/25
|
|
Latvia
|
a. Always
|
Source:
Constitution, 1922; Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
|
2005/03/21
|
|
Lebanon
|
d. Not applicable
|
Source:
constitution
|
2005/05/17
|
|
Liberia
|
a. Always
|
Constitution
|
2005/09/30
|
|
Liechtenstein
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2005/05/03
|
|
Lithuania
|
a. Always
|
Source:
Law: Republic of Lithuania Law on Referendum, last amended on 6 May 2014 — No XII-860.
|
2005/03/22
|
|
Macedonia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of
|
a. Always
|
Article 14
The decision for changing the border for joining or abandoning an alliance or unity with other states adopted on referendum shall be considered compulsory.
Source:
Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 14
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
|
2020/04/23
|
|
Malawi
|
a. Always
|
|
2006/10/16
|
|
Malaysia
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2007/01/07
|
|
Maldives
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2006/12/30
|
|
Mali
|
a. Always
|
Source:
Titre XVII et article 122 de la constitution
|
2005/06/05
|
|
Malta
|
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
|
b) Only where referenda are of the abrogative type.
Source:
Art. 20 of the Referenda Act (Cap. 237)
|
2006/11/22
|
|
Mauritania
|
a. Always
|
C:V:Art78 "1) Peace treaties, union treaties, commerce treaties, treaties or accords concerning an international organization, treaties which require the finances of the State, treaties which modify provisions of a legislative nature, treaties concerning the status of persons, and treaties concerning the borders of the State may only he ratified by a law. (2) They may take effect only after being ratified or approved. No cession, no exchange, and no annexation of territory is valid without the consent of the people who shall decide through referendum. (3) In the case set forth in the last paragraph of Article 2, the required majority is four-fifths of the votes cast." C:XI:Art100 "The revision of the Constitution is complete when approved by a simple majority of the votes cast in a referendum."
Source:
The 1991 Constitution of Mauritania, art. 78 and 100
|
2006/12/30
|
|
Mauritius
|
a. Always
|
Source:
The Constitution of the Republic of Mauritius, art. 47(3)
C:47 "(3) A Bill for an Act of Parliament to alter the provisions of section 1 or 57(2) shall not be passed by the Assembly unless – (a) the proposed Bill has before its introduction in the Assembly been submitted, by referendum, to the electorate of Mauritius and has been approved by the votes of not less than three quarters of the electorate;"
|
2007/06/01
|
|
Micronesia, Federated States of
|
a. Always
|
Source:
Johnathan John, Director, FSM Elections
|
2007/01/08
|
|
Moldova, Republic of
|
a. Always
|
Source:
Kare Vollan, Director, Quality AS
|
2021/03/30
|
|
Montenegro
|
a. Always
|
Art. 4: The outcome of a referendum shall be binding on the assembly calling the referendum.
Source:
Law: Law on Referendum as of 19 February 2001, Art. 4
https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL(2005)076-e
|
2021/12/25
|
|
Morocco
|
c. Never
|
Source:
Articles, 103, 104, and 105, Constitution
|
2005/05/02
|
|
Mozambique
|
a. Always
|
|
2006/10/16
|
|
Namibia
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2006/11/16
|
|
Netherlands
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2005/09/06
|
|
New Zealand
|
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
|
Legislation that is conditional on a binding referendum must itself be passed by Parliament before the question is put to the public.
citizen initiated referendums are not binding.
Source:
https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/how-parliament-works/parliamentary-practice-in-new-zealand-2023-by-chapter/chapter-52-referendums/
|
2024/07/12
|
|
Niger
|
a. Always
|
Source:
Code electoral article 130
|
2005/06/06
|
|
Nigeria
|
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
|
b) C:8 "(1) An Act of the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new State shall only be passed if - [...] (b) a proposal for the creation of the State is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the area where the demand for creation of the State originated; (c) the result of the referendum is then approved by a simple majority of all the States of the Federation supported by a simple majority of members of the Houses of Assembly; [...] (3) A bill for a Law of a House of Assembly for the purpose of creating a new local government area shall only be passed if - [...] (b) a proposal for the creation of the local government area is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the local government area where the demand for the proposed local government area originated; (c) the result of the referendum is then approved by a simple majority of the members in each local government council in a majority of all the local government councils in the State; and (d) the result of the referendum is approved by a resolution passed by two-thirds majority of members of the House of Assembly."
Source:
The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, art. 8
|
2006/12/30
|
|
Norway
|
d. Not applicable
|
Source:
Kare Vollan, Director, Quality AS
|
2007/01/07
|
|
Palestine
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2007/06/11
|
|
Panama
|
a. Always
|
Source:
Electoral Law: 358-360.
|
2007/10/01
|
|
Paraguay
|
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
|
b) This is decided by Congress and regulated by law.
C:TII:ChX:121 "A legislative referendum, approved by law, can be either binding or nonbinding. A law will regulate this institution."
C:TIV:290 "[...] (3) If the amendment has been approved by the two chambers of Congress, the full text of it will be submitted to the Superior Electoral Court, which, within a period of 180 days will call a referendum. If the outcome of the referendum is in favor of the amendment, it will be considered that it has been approved and promulgated and considered part of the Constitution."
EL:259 "The authorization for calling the voters for a legislative referendum, in any of its types, consultive or binding, is an exclusive duty of Congress…."
Source:
The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Paraguay, art. II:X:121, IV:290; the Electoral Law, art. 259
|
2006/12/31
|
|
Peru
|
a. Always
|
Source:
art. 42 de la Ley de los Derechos de Control y Participacion Ciudadanos
|
2005/08/24
|
|
Philippines
|
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
|
Certified by the Comelec, and becomes effective fifteen (15) days after publication in the official Gazette or newspaper of general circulation
|
2005/07/08
|
|
Poland
|
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
|
If there is 50% support
Source:
Act on all-national referendum of 14 March 2003
Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland No 57 of 2 April 2003
|
2006/12/25
|
|
Portugal
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2005/04/20
|
|
Puerto Rico
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2009/07/05
|
|
Qatar
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2006/12/31
|
|
Romania
|
a. Always
|
Source:
Constitution, 2003, Section 95 and 150-152; Law on referendums, 2000, article 1-12.
|
2005/03/20
|
|
Russian Federation
|
a. Always
|
Source:
Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 . Art.83.(2).
|
2016/06/09
|
|
Rwanda
|
a. Always
|
C:44 "The President of the Republic: "6) shall negotiate, conclude, and ratify all international treaties, conventions, and agreements, whether of public or private law, and send them to the National Assembly as soon as allowed by the State's interest and security. However, [...] - treaties, conventions, and agreements involving financial implications not anticipated in the budget, shall be enforceable only following approval by law. The federation of the Republic of Rwanda with one or several other democratic States must be approved by means of a referendum;"
Source:
The 2003 Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda, art. 44. http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/RW/rwanda-organic-law-nb0-17-2003-of-07-07-2003/view
|
2018/11/02
|
|
Saint Kitts and Nevis
|
d. Not applicable
|
Referendums are optional.
|
2020/04/26
|
|
Senegal
|
a. Always
|
Source:
Article 108 de la constitution
|
2005/06/06
|
|
Seychelles
|
a. Always
|
Source:
article 91 (1) of constitution
|
2005/08/30
|
|
Sierra Leone
|
a. Always
|
|
2005/06/09
|
|
Singapore
|
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
|
Source:
Constitution, article 5A (6)
|
2007/01/07
|
|
Slovakia
|
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
|
Source:
The Constitution of the Slovak Republic (1992), Art. 99
|
2006/12/10
|
|
Slovenia
|
a. Always
|
at least the Constitution contains rules only for binding referenda
Source:
Art. 90 of Constitution
|
2005/04/14
|
|
Solomon Islands
|
d. Not applicable
|
Source:
David Clark, Electoral Capacity Development Coordinator, Solomon Islands Election Commission
|
2007/01/09
|
|
Somalia
|
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
|
Once the president promulgates
Source:
The law of the referendum of the republic of Somalia article 47
|
2005/04/13
|
|
South Africa
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2006/10/17
|
|
Spain
|
a. Always
|
|
2012/04/18
|
|
Sri Lanka
|
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
|
b) When the referendum is valid and passed.
C:80 "(1) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this Article, a Bill passed by Parliament shall become law when the certificate of the Speaker is endorsed thereon. (2) Where the Cabinet of Ministers has certified that any Bill or any provision thereof is intended to be submitted for approval by the People at a Referendum or where the Supreme Court has determined that a Bill or any provision thereof requires the approval of the People at a Referendum or where any Bill is submitted to the People by Referendum under paragraph (2) of Article 85, such Bill or such provision shall become law upon being approved by the People at a Referendum in accordance with paragraph (3) of Article 85 only when the President certifies that the Bill or provision thereof has been so approved. The President shall endorse on every Bill so approved a certificate in the following form : - “This Bill/provision has been 21[duly approved by the People at a Referendum.” No such certificate shall be endorsed by the President on a Bill – (a) in any case where no petition is filed challenging the validity of the referendum at which such bill was approved by the People, until after the expiration of the period within which a petition may be filed, under the law applicable in that behalf, challenging the validity of such referendum: (b) in any case where a petition is filed challenging the validity of the Referendum at which such Bill was approved by the People, until after the Supreme Court determines that such Referendum was valid.]"
C:85 "(3) Any Bill or any provision in any Bill submitted to the People by Referendum shall be deemed to be approved by the People if approved by an absolute majority of the valid votes cast at such Referendum: Provided that when the total number of valid votes cast does not exceed two-thirds of the whole number of electors entered in the register of electors, such Bill shall be deemed to be approved only if approved by not less than one-third of the whole number of such electors."
Source:
The Constitution of Sri Lanka, art. 80 and 85(3): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LK/sri-lanka-constitution-as-amended-up-to-9/at_download/file
|
2007/01/05
|
|
Sudan
|
c. Never
|
The President has the final decision
Source:
Article 66 and 128, Constitution
|
2005/05/03
|
|
Sweden
|
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
|
The following two conditions must be met for a referendum to be binding. The number of those voting against the proposal must be greater than those in favour. In addition to this, those who have voted against must constitute more than half of those who have cast valid votes in the parliamentary election. If this majority is obtained, the newly elected Riksdag may not make any change to the Constitution.
Source:
The Instrument of the Government Ch. 8, Section 16: Official Website of the Parliament: http://www.riksdagen.se/sv/Start/Bestall/Sprakversioner/English---engelska1/Sveriges-grundlagar-och-riksdagsordningen1/ (2012);
Fact sheet on referenda provided by the Information Department of the Riksdag: www.riksdagen.se/.../Faktablad_E14.pdf (2012)
|
2012/05/16
|
|
Switzerland
|
a. Always
|
Source:
Constitution, Art. 140, 142, 195;
Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 15: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012)
|
2012/05/14
|
|
Taiwan
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2020/03/31
|
|
Timor-Leste
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2007/01/05
|
|
Togo
|
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
|
Source:
Constitution 1992 titre 13 article 144 alinea 3.
|
2005/04/28
|
|
Tonga
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2021/09/15
|
|
Tunisia
|
c. Never
|
The President has the final decision
Source:
Articles 2, 47 and 72 of Constitution
|
2005/05/03
|
|
Turkey
|
a. Always
|
Source:
Art 175 constitution, electoral code
|
2015/06/01
|
|
Turkmenistan
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2007/01/06
|
|
Uganda
|
a. Always
|
Article 1 is proposed to be amended to provide that where a referendum is held under any article of the Constitution, the result of the referendum is binding on all organs and agencies of the state and on all persons and organisations.”
Source:
http://www.ugandaobserver.com/today/archives/2004arch/news/oct/news200410212.php
|
2005/08/24
|
|
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2012/05/09
|
|
Uruguay
|
a. Always
|
El resultado del referéndum siempre es imperativo y obliga a la entrada en vigencia de lo que se haya dispuesto por ese instituto de democracia directa.
|
2006/04/11
|
|
Viet Nam
|
a. Always
|
All referendums are binding and will take effect immediately on the announcement date. Their results must be respected by all state agencies, organizations and individuals, according to Article 11 of the legislation.
Source:
https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/vietnam-s-public-referendum-act-comes-into-effect-today-3429065.html
|
2021/03/25
|
|
Western Sahara
|
c. Never
|
The President has the final decision
Source:
Articles 156 and 157, Constitution
|
2009/08/14
|
|
Yemen
|
c. Never
|
The President has the final decision
Source:
Articles 156 and 157, Constitution
|
2005/05/03
|
|
Zimbabwe
|
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
|
Source:
Maureen Nthabiseng Moloi, EISA
|
2018/10/31
|
