|
total countries/territories: 215
|
|---|
| Country/Territory |
Answers |
Comments |
Verified |
|
Afghanistan
|
c. No information available
|
|
2016/03/14
|
|
Albania
|
a. Yes
|
Constitution:Art 150, 3: Principles and procedures for conducting a referendum, and its validity, are provided by
law.
Source:
The Constitution of the Republic of Albania, art. 81, 150 et seq.
|
2017/05/19
|
|
Algeria
|
a. Yes
|
A constitutional revision shall be undertaken on the initiative of the President of the Republic. It shall be voted in identical terms by the People's National Assembly and the Council of the Nation in the same conditions as a statutory text. It shall be submitted by referendum to the approval of the people within fifty (50) days of its adoption.
An Act containing a revision of the Constitution which was rejected by the people shall become inoperative.
It cannot be submitted again to the people during the same legislature.
Source:
Constitution, art. 174, 175: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Algeria_2008?lang=en (2017)
https://www.joradp.dz/hfr/consti.htm
|
2019/09/25
|
|
Andorra
|
a. Yes
|
Constitution of Andorra, Art.106: "The revision of the Constitution shall require the approval of the Consell General by a majority of two-thirds of the members of the Chamber. Immediately after its approval the proposal shall be submitted to ratification in a referendum."
Source:
Constitution of the Principality of Andorra, art. 106: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/AD/andorra-constitution-1993-1/
IDEA International Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/42/45
|
2023/06/09
|
|
Angola
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of 3 February 2010, art. 161 (j), 167 (1, 5), 168: http://www.tribunalconstitucional.ao/uploads/%7B9555c635-8d7c-4ea1-b7f9-0cd33d08ea40%7D.pdf (2017)
|
2017/03/29
|
|
Anguilla
|
b. No
|
e) Referendums were however held on 11th July 1967 to determine the extent of popular support for separation from St Kitts; and on 6th February 1969 for the approval of a constitution for an independent republic of Anguilla. There was no constitutional or legal basis for the holding of those referendums because Anguilla’s status was unconstitutional and illegal.
|
2015/02/27
|
|
Antigua and Barbuda
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution, Chapter IV, Part 2, Section 47, subsection 5&6
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AG/Antigua%20and%20Barbuda%20-%20Constitution/view
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008), (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
|
2014/06/06
|
|
Argentina
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución de la Nación Argentina — Ley 24430, texto oficial ordenado”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AR/argentina-constitucion-nacional-reformas-1994/ (2019)
|
2021/12/26
|
|
Armenia
|
a. Yes
|
The Constitution shall be adopted or amended by referendum, which may be initiated by the President of the Republic or the National Assembly. The Constitution shall be adopted or amended by referendum, which may be initiated by the President of the Republic or the National Assembly
Source:
Law on Referendum of the Republic of Armenia (2001): http://res.elections.am/images/doc/hanraqve_eng.pdf (2013);
Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, art. 111: http://res.elections.am/images/doc/consist_eng.pdf (2013).
|
2015/12/01
|
|
Aruba
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008), (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
|
2017/07/07
|
|
Australia
|
a. Yes
|
All proposed constitutional amendments must be submitted to a binding referendum.
Source:
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008), (https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook_0.pdf)
Constitution: https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Senate/Powers_practice_n_procedures/~/media/AC79BBA0B87A4906A6D71ACCEEF10535.ashx
Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (amended in 2019): https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2019C00103/f85985f8-e256-4e11-ad31-884ed7f92224
Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2019C00100/f03f448e-da13-4d34-928b-688bc43735e4
|
2024/09/09
|
|
Austria
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Art. 41, 43 & 60 B-VG, Art. 44, 45 & 46 B-VG, Volksbegehrengesetz 1973 (Law on Public Initiatives), Volksabstimmungsgesetz 1972 (Law on Referenda), Volksbefragungsgesetz 1989 (Law on Public Opinion Polls).
Constitution of Austria, Articles 1-46
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2012/05/29
|
|
Azerbaijan
|
a. Yes
|
I. The people of Azerbaijan may resolve any issue related to their rights and interests by means of referendum.
II. The following issues may be resolved by referendum only:
1. adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan and introduction of amendments thereto;
2. alteration of state borders of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
III. No referendum may be held with respect to the following issues:
1. taxation and state budget;
2. amnesty and pardon;
3. election, appointment or approval of the officials, whose election, appointment or approval is assigned to the competence of the legislative and (or) executive bodies respectively.
2. Amnesty and pardon;
3. The election, appointment or confirmation of officials, whose election,
appointment or confirmation are within the competence of the legislative
organs and (or) the executive power.
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan (1995) including amendments, article 3: https://president.az/en/pages/view/azerbaijan/constitution
|
2024/11/12
|
|
Bahamas
|
a. Yes
|
Constitution of the Bahamas: "(1) Subject to the provisions of this Article, Parliament may, bay an Act of Parliament passed by both Houses, alter any of the provisions of this Constitution or (in so far as it forms part of the law of the Bahamas) any of the provisions of The Bahamas Independence Act, 1973. (2) In so far as it alters- [...] (ii) the Bill, after its passage through both Hose, has been submitted to the electors qualified to vote for the election of members of the House of Assembly and, on a vote in such manner as Parliament may prescribe the majority of the electors voting have approved the Bill. (3) In so far as it alters- (ii) the Bill, after its passage through both Houses has been submitted to the electors qualified to vote for the elections of members of the House of Assembly and, on a vote taken in such manner as Parliament may prescribe the majority of the electors voting have approved the Bill."
C:63 "(1) A Bill shall not become law until the Governor-General has assented thereto in Her Majesty's behalf and has signed it in token of such assent. [...] (3) Any Bill to which Article 54(2) or (3) of this Constitution applies shall be presented to the Governor-General endorsed with certificates of the requisite majorities in accordance with whichever of those paragraphs applies to the Bill, and with a certificate of the Parliamentary Registrar that it has been approved by the majority of the electors voting on the Bill."
CRA:2 "(1) For the purpose of obtaining the approval of the electors qualified to vote in an election of members of the House of Assembly with respect to a Bill submitted to them, which Bill seeks to alter an Article of the Constitution specified in Article 54(2) or (3) of the Constitution or any of the provisions of The Bahamas Independence Act, 1973, a vote shall be taken by way of a referendum held in accordance with this Act. (2) The Governor-General may by proclamation appoint a day for the holding of a referendum, being a day not earlier than twenty-one days after the date of the proclamation. (3) The electors qualified to vote in a referendum shall be the electors who are qualified to vote as electors for the Election of members of the House of Assembly and for the purpose of referendum the register of voters prepared pursuant to section 13 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, 1992 shall be deemed to be closed ten days before the holding of the referendum."
Source:
The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Art. 54 (2.ii and 3.ii) and 63 (3)
Constitutional Referendum Act, Art. 2
http://laws.bahamas.gov.bs/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1977/1977-0016/ConstitutionalReferendumAct_1.pdf
|
2017/03/27
|
|
Bahrain
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution, art. 43: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bahrain_2017
|
2024/11/25
|
|
Bangladesh
|
a. Yes
|
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, Art. 142; the Referendum Act No. 25 of 1991
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
|
2012/05/30
|
|
Barbados
|
b. No
|
Source:
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
|
2009/08/21
|
|
Belarus
|
a. Yes
|
The decision adopted by the referendum is signed by the President of the Republic of Belarus and is subject to the immediate and obligatory official publication after its signing.
The decision adopted by the referendum enters into force in 10 days after its official publication, unless other term is established therein.
The date of adoption of the decision by the referendum is deemed to be the date of the referendum.
Legal force of the decision adopted by a referendum is determined by the edict of the President of the Republic of Belarus on calling the referendum.
The decisions adopted by the referendum may be cancelled or changed only by means of a referendum, unless otherwise determined by the referendum.
If implementing the decision, adopted by the referendum, requires the issuance of a legal act, such act shall be adopted within five months from the date of entry into force of the decision adopted by the referendum.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 74: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-constitution-2021-english/ ;
Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 123 & 124: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
|
2023/09/13
|
|
Belgium
|
b. No
|
Source:
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/catalogue/direct-democracy-international-idea-handbook);
The Belgian Constitution
|
2019/04/25
|
|
Belize
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Referendum Law: “Referendum Act, Chapter 10”, Section 2 (1 a, c & d): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-referendum-act-2020/ ;
International IDEA Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=23&database_theme=309
|
2025/03/24
|
|
Benin
|
a. Yes
|
The revision of the Constitution shall be agreed to only after having been approved by referendum, unless the draft or the proposal involved shall have been approved by a four-fifths majority of the members composing the Assembly.
Source:
Constitution of 11 December 1990, art. 155
http://www.gouv.bj/sites/default/files/Cour-Constitutionnelle-recueil-des-textes-fondamentaux.pdf (2016)
|
2019/04/05
|
|
Bermuda
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Direct Democracy, the International IDEA Handbook
http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/upload/DDH_inlay_low.pdf
|
2012/05/31
|
|
Bhutan
|
b. No
|
There are several legal provisions for initiating a National Referendum, but none specify conditions that would make it mandatory.
Source:
Constitution of Bhutan, Article 34: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bhutan_2008
National Referendum Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan, 2008: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/NationalReferendumActEnglish.pdf
|
2024/08/27
|
|
Bolivia
|
a. Yes
|
The adoption of international treaties regarding certain important issues must be approved by referendum before ratification. In addition, the total reform of the Constitution, or any reform that affect its fundamental principles, the rights, duties and guarantees, shall take place through a Constituent Assembly, activated by popular will through a referendum. A constitutional referendum is required to approve the entry into force of the constitutional reform.
Source:
Constitution; "Constitución Política del Estado", art. 257 (II), 260 (III), 294 (II), 295 (II), 411: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BO/bolivia-constitucion-politica-del-estado-vigente/ (2019).
Electoral Law; “Ley del Régimen Electoral — Ley 026-2010”, art. 22–24, 39–41: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BO/bolivia-ley-026-2010-regimen-electoral-vigente/ (2019).
|
2024/12/10
|
|
Bosnia and Herzegovina
|
b. No
|
No mention in the Constitution.
There is no mention of the Rules of Procedure in either chamber of parliament. There is, however, a mention of the register being used for referendums.
Source:
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
|
2025/06/26
|
|
Botswana
|
a. Yes
|
A referendum is required in order to pass certain amendments to the Constitution. This referendum has to be approved by the majority of voters.
Source:
Constitution of Botswana art. 89 (4): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Referendum Act, (Chapter 02:10): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-referendum-act-chapter-02-10/view (2014).
|
2014/10/28
|
|
Brazil
|
a. Yes
|
Article 14. Popular sovereignty shall be exercised through universal suffrage and direct, secret voting, with equal value for all, and, in accordance with the law, by means of:
I – plebiscite;
II – referendum;
III – popular initiative.
Article 49. It is the exclusive competence of the National Congress:
XV – to authorize referendums and convene plebiscites;
Source:
Constitution of the Federative Republic of Brazil, 1988, Article 2, 14, 18 (3, 4), 49 (XV): https://www.tse.jus.br/legislacao/codigo-eleitoral/constituicao-federal/constituicao-da-republica-federativa-do-brasil
Plebiscites and Referendums:
http://www.tse.jus.br/eleicoes/plebiscitos-e-referendos/plebiscito-e-referendo
Law No. 9,709, of November 18, 1998:
https://www.planalto.gov.br/Ccivil_03/leis/L9709.htm
|
2024/10/24
|
|
Brunei Darussalam
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: http://publicofficialsfinancialdisclosure.worldbank.org/fdl/sites/fdl/files/assets/law-library-files/Brunei_Constitution_1959_amended%202011_EN.pdf (2013)
|
2013/03/18
|
|
Bulgaria
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
http://www.parliament.bg/en/const
|
2014/10/01
|
|
Burkina Faso
|
a. Yes
|
Agreements regarding the entrance of Burkina Faso in a confederation, federation or a union of African states are subject to approval by referendum.
Source:
Constitution as amended in 2015, art. 147, 164, 169: http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/fr/bf/bf017fr.pdff (2015)
|
2015/12/04
|
|
Burma (Myanmar)
|
a. Yes
|
If it is necessary to amend the provisions of Sections 1 to 48 in
Chapter I, Sections 49 to 56 in Chapter II, Sections 59 and 60 in Chapter III, Sections 74, 109, 141 and 161 in Chapter IV, Sections 200, 201, 248 and 276 in Chapter V, Sections 293, 294, 305, 314 and 320 in Chapter VI, Sections 410 to 432 in Chapter XI and Sections 436 in Chapter XII of this Constitution, it shall be amended with the prior approval of more than seventy-five percent of all the representatives of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, after which in a nation-wide referendum only with the votes of more than half of those who are eligible to vote.
Source:
Constitution of Myanmar, art. 436 (a): http://burmacampaign.org.uk/media/Constitution-1.pdf (2015)
|
2015/11/20
|
|
Burundi
|
a. Yes
|
Any transfer, exchange, or addition of territory is invalid without the consent of the
Burundian people through referendum.
Source:
Constitution, art. 282: https://acbc.iom.int/sites/g/files/tmzbdl441/files/Legislation/Countries%20legislations/BURUNDI/Constitution%20of%20Burundi%20of%20_2018_compressed.pdf
|
2025/05/08
|
|
Cambodia
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: http://www.ccc.gov.kh/detail_info_en.php?_txtID=791
|
2023/10/12
|
|
Cameroon
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution Article 36 (4). https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CM/cameroon-constitution-of-cameroon-2008
|
2018/11/07
|
|
Canada
|
b. No
|
Source:
International Idea (2008):"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm).
|
2025/03/28
|
|
Cape Verde
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 4 (1), 103, 157, 158, 160, 175 (i), 203 (2-a), 254 (1-c): http://www.parlamento.cv/Downloads/Constitui%C3%A7%C3%A3o%20da%20Rep%C3%BAblica%20de%20Cabo%20verde,%202010.pdf (2016)
|
2016/05/04
|
|
Cayman Islands
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: “Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009”, Section 69, 70: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/KY/cayman-islands-constitution-2009/ ;
Referendum Law 2012: “Referendum (Single-member Constituencies) Law 2012”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/KY/cayman-islands-referendum-law-2012/ ;
Referendum Law 2019: “Referendum (People-initiated Referendum Regarding the Port) Law 2019”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/KY/cayman-islands-referendum-law-2019/ ;
|
2021/12/13
|
|
Central African Republic
|
a. Yes
|
Any transfer, exchange or acquisition of territory must be approved by referendum. In addition, a referendum is required so that the State can conclude with any African state association or merger agreements, including partial or total transfer of sovereignty to achieve the African Unity.
Source:
Electoral Law N° 09.016, Art. 136 - 151: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Centrafrique/CODE_ELECTORAL-RCA-2-octobre-2010.pdf (2016);
Constitution, Art. 69, 70: http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/fr/text.jsp?file_id=193706 (2016)
|
2021/04/19
|
|
Chad
|
a. Yes
|
Constitutional amendments must be approved by referendum. In addition, no cession, exchange or addition of territory shall be valid unless approved by referendum.
Source:
Constitution as amended by Constitutional Law n° 008/PR/2005, art. 220 (3), 224 (3): https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Chad_2005.pdf?lang=en (2016)
|
2019/04/23
|
|
Chile
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 128 & 129:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
|
2025/03/27
|
|
China
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2012/06/04
|
|
Cocos (keeling) Islands
|
a. Yes
|
The Constitution provides a mechanism by which it can be altered, called a referendum. Before there can be any change
to the Constitution, a majority of electors must vote in favour of the change. In addition, there must be a majority vote
in a majority of States, that is, in four out of the six States. (Further, a proposed amendment which would diminish the
representation of a State in the Commonwealth Parliament or which would alter the territorial limits of a State must
be approved by a majority of electors in that State.) Ordinarily, before a matter can be the subject of a referendum, both
Houses of the Commonwealth Parliament must pass the proposed law containing the suggested amendment of the
Constitution (section 128).
Source:
Australia's Constitution, "Overview": https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Senate/Powers_practice_n_procedures/Constitution
|
2019/07/11
|
|
Colombia
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016)
|
2024/12/13
|
|
Comoros
|
a. Yes
|
To be adopted, a bill or proposal of constitutional revision must be approved by two thirds of the total membership of the Assembly of the Union as well as two thirds of the total membership of the Assemblies of islands or by referendum.
Source:
Constitution, art. 37: http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/com128670.pdf (2016)
|
2025/09/30
|
|
Congo (Brazzaville)
|
a. Yes
|
No transfer, exchange or acquisition of territory shall be valid unless it is approved by referendum.
In addition, any amendment to the Constitution needs to be approved by referendum.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 180, 186: http://www.presidence.cg/files/my_files/constit200102.pdf (2017);
Election law of 24 November 2001, Art. 43: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CG/congo-brazzaville-electoral-law-2001/view (2017)
Election law of 24 November 2001, Amended 2016, Art. 44, 45
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CG/congo-brazzaville-electoral-law-amendments-2016/view (2017)
|
2017/03/29
|
|
Congo (Kinshasa), Democratic Republic of the
|
a. Yes
|
No transfer, exchange or acquisition of territory shall be valid unless it is approved by referendum. In addition, any amendment to the Constitution needs to be approved by referendum. Finally, a referendum is required for the transfer of the capital to another part of the country.
Source:
Constitution de la RDC (2011) Art. 5, 214, 218:http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rdc-constitution-2011/
|
2016/11/30
|
|
Costa Rica
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 168: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/
|
2018/01/24
|
|
Croatia
|
a. Yes
|
Article 87: (1) The Croatian Parliament may call a referendum on a proposal for the amendment of the Constitution, on a bill, or any other issue within its competence.
(2) The President of the Republic may, at the proposal of the Government and with the counter-signature of the Prime Minster, call a referendum on a proposal for the amendment of the Constitution or any other issue which he considers to be important for the independence, unity and existence of the Republic of Croatia.
(3) The Croatian Parliament shall call a referendum upon the issues from sections 1 and 2 of this Article when so demanded by ten percent of all voters in the Republic of Croatia.
Article 142: (4) Any decision concerning the association of the Republic of Croatia shall be made on a referendum by a majority vote of the total number of electors in the State.
Source:
Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Croatia as revised on 06 July 2010, art. 87 & 142.
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Croatia_2013?lang=en
|
2025/04/15
|
|
Cuba
|
a. Yes
|
For Constitutional amendments.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución de la República de Cuba (2019)”, art. 228: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CU/cuba-constitucion-2019-ace/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley No. 127, Ley Electoral”, art.: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CU/cuba-ley-electoral-127-2019-ace/
|
2023/09/12
|
|
Cyprus
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of Cyprus 1960 (rev. 2013)
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Cyprus_2013?lang=en
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/90/45
|
2024/10/25
|
|
Cyprus (North)
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2012/06/07
|
|
Czech Republic
|
a. Yes
|
Constitutional Act: Article 1: (1) The accession of the Czech Republic to the European Union may only be decided on in a referendum.
Source:
Constitution: Constitution of the Czech Republic of December 16, 1992 (Amended by Act No. 515/2002 Coll.), Appendix C article 1-6
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en (2017)
Constitutional act: Constitutional Act of Law No. 515/2002 Coll. of November 14th, 2002, on the referendum on accession of the Czech Republic to the European Union and the change of Constitutional Act of Law No. 1/1993 Coll., the Constitution of the Czech Republic, as amended, art. 1(1).
|
2018/03/02
|
|
Côte d'Ivoire
|
a. Yes
|
Constitutional amendments must be approved by referendum by a majority of the votes cast.
Source:
Constitution, art. 126: http://cndj.ci/constitution.htm (2012)
|
2012/12/17
|
|
Denmark
|
a. Yes
|
When a Bill has been passed by Parliament, within three weekdays of the final passing of the Bill, one-third of the Members of Parliament can ask the President for a referendum on the Bill. The request must be in writing and signed by the participating Members.
Source:
Constitution of Denmark, P.5, Sec.42, SS.1
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2019/05/27
|
|
Djibouti
|
a. Yes
|
Article 62 (3)
No cession, no acquisition of territory is valid without the consent of the people who decide by means of referendum.
Art. 91
The draft or proposed constitutional revision must be voted by a majority of the members of the National Assembly and does not become final until approved by a referendum by simple majority of votes cast. However, the referendum procedure can be avoided by decision of the President of the Republic. In this case, the project or the proposed constitutional revision must be approved by a two-thirds majority of the members of the National Assembly.
Source:
Constitution, as amended by Constitutional Law n° 134/AN/06/5 L of 21 Avril 2010, art. 62, 91: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Djibouti_2010.pdf?lang=en (2016)
|
2018/04/02
|
|
Dominica
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2009/10/22
|
|
Dominican Republic
|
a. Yes
|
Constitutional reforms regarding the fundamental rights and duties, the territorial and municipal boundaries, the nationality and citizenship regime, the currency regime and the procedure of constitutional reform must be submitted to a referendum and approved by more than 50% of the votes cast.
Source:
Constitución: Constitución de la República Dominicana (2015) art. 272: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DO/republica-dominicana-constitucion-politica-2015/ (2020)
|
2020/02/05
|
|
Ecuador
|
a. Yes
|
The approval of a constitutional reform requires a referendum, which must be supported by half plus one of the valid votes cast.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República del Ecuador”, art. 442: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ; Direct Democracy Law: “Ley Orgánica de Participación Ciudadana”, art. 13: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-ley-participacion-ciudadana-2011/
|
2025/03/13
|
|
Egypt
|
a. Yes
|
The President of the Republic may not dissolve the House of Representatives except by a causative decision and following a public referendum. To dissolve the House of Representatives, the President must issue a decision to suspend parliamentary sessions and hold a referendum within 20 days. If voters agreed with a valid majority on the dissolution, it shall be carried out.
The declaration of a state of emergency must be approved by a majority of members of each Council. The declaration shall be for a specified period not exceeding six months, which can only be extended by another similar period upon the people’s approval in a public referendum.
If a constitutional amendment request is approved by both Houses, each of them shall discuss the text of the articles to be amended within 60 days from the date of approval; if approved by a two-thirds majority of each House, the amendment shall be put to public referendum within 30 days from the date of approval. The amendment shall be effective from the date of announcement of the referendum result.
Source:
Constitution of The Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art. 137, 151, 161, 226: http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
|
2025/09/30
|
|
El Salvador
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 73 & 89: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/
|
2024/12/19
|
|
Equatorial Guinea
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution as amended by referendum of 23 November 2011, art. 133 (4)
|
2012/10/03
|
|
Estonia
|
a. Yes
|
Referendum Act:
§1:(1) The Riigikogu shall submit any amendment of Chapters 1 and 15 of the Constitution to a referendum. The Riigikogu may submit other draft Acts that amend the Constitution, and other draft Acts or other national issues to a referendum.
Source:
Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia with latest amendment on 6 May 2015, § 56, 65, 105 & 162-168.
Law: Referendum Act latest amended 12 October 2016
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
|
2019/02/20
|
|
Ethiopia
|
a. Yes
|
The right of any Nation, Nationality or People to form its own state is exercisable when the Council that received the demand has organized a referendum within one year to be held in the Nation, Nationality or People that made the demand.
The right to self-determination, including secession, of every Nation, Nationality and People shall come into effect when the Federal Government has organized a referendum which must take place within three years from the time it received the concerned council’s decision for secession.
Source:
Constitution, art. 39 (4 - b,c), 47 (3 - b,c,e);
Electoral Law as amended by Proclamation No. 532/2007, art. 32: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ET/ethiopia-proclamatio-no.-532-2007-amending-the/view
|
2015/05/18
|
|
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
|
a. Yes
|
For the amendment of the constituencies.
Source:
Constitution: “Falkland Islands Constitution Order 2008”, Section 27: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/FK/falkland-islands-constitution-2008/ ;
|
2022/04/19
|
|
Fiji
|
a. Yes
|
If a Bill for the amendment of the Constitution is passed by Parliament,
the President shall refer the Bill to the Electoral Commission, which shall conduct a referendum for all registered voters in Fiji to vote on the Bill. If the outcome of the referendum is that three-quarters of the total number of
the registered voters have voted in favour of the Bill, then the President must assent to the Bill, which shall come into force on the date of the Presidential assent or on such other date as prescribed in the Bill.
Source:
Constitution, art. 160: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/FJ/fiji-constitution-2013/at_download/file (2014).
|
2018/04/20
|
|
Finland
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution, Section 14, 53: http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/kaannokset/1999/en19990731.pdf (2012);
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2019/04/02
|
|
France
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 88-5, 89;
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/France_2008?lang=en
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2020/06/20
|
|
Gabon
|
a. Yes
|
2. The capital of the country is Libreville and can only be transferred if approved by referendum.
114. No cession, exchange, or addition of territory shall be valid without prior consultation of the Gabonese people by referendum.
Source:
Constitution (as amended in 2011), art. 2, 114
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gabon_1997?lang=en (2017)
|
2017/03/24
|
|
Gambia
|
a. Yes
|
The Gambia shall not enter into any engagement with any other country which causes it to lose its sovereignty without the matter first being put to a referendum and passed by such majority as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.
A referendum must be organised for the approval of constitutional amendments.
Source:
Constitution, sections 79 (2), 226: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gambia_2004?lang=en (2017)
|
2017/03/21
|
|
Georgia
|
a. Yes
|
The establishment of the new general state tax, in addition to the excise tax, or the total state taxes
according to the type of upper rate limit can be increased only through a referendum, in addition to
the organic law. Only the government has the right to initiate a referendum
Source:
Constitution of Georgia, art. 74-76:
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Georgia_2018?lang=en
|
2024/07/24
|
|
Germany
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution, Art. 29
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/German_Federal_Republic_2014?lang=en
|
2021/11/29
|
|
Ghana
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (1996), art.5, 290: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GH/ghana-constitution-1992-with-amendments-through/
|
2016/10/05
|
|
Gibraltar
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2019/11/04
|
|
Greece
|
b. No
|
Referenda are optional.
Source:
Constitution, Article 44
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Greece_2008?lang=en
|
2020/07/26
|
|
Greenland
|
c. No information available
|
|
2012/06/14
|
|
Grenada
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2009/10/23
|
|
Guam
|
a. Yes
|
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no increase in real property tax, liquid fuel tax, business privilege tax or any locally enacted and administered tax on Guam shall go into effect without the approval of the voters of Guam in a referendum held during a general election. The provisions of § 16311 of this Article and Chapter shall apply in the case of any general obligation bond of the government of Guam in excess of Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000), as well as in the case of the creation of any new fee for service proposed to be established in such cases where the fee is for a service already provided by the government of Guam prior to the establishment of the new fee, and where such service was previously funded through other revenues.
Source:
3 Guam Code 16311:
http://www.guamcourts.org/CompilerofLaws/GCA/03gca/3gc016.PDF
|
2020/10/28
|
|
Guatemala
|
a. Yes
|
Particularly transcendent political decisions, as well as constitutional reforms to articles other than those in Chapter 1 of the Second Title of the Constitution ("Individual Rights"), will be submitted to consultation before all citizens, which will be called by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. Such reforms will only come into effect once they are ratified by popular consultation.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”, art. 173 & 280: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 250 bis: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
|
2023/05/29
|
|
Guinea
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution (2010), art. 152: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GN/guinea-constitution-2010-english-version/
|
2017/01/26
|
|
Guinea-Bissau
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution, art. 85 (b): http://www.anpguinebissau.org/leis/constituicao/constituicaoguine.pdf (2012)
|
2014/06/24
|
|
Haiti
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2015/04/08
|
|
Holy See (Vatican City State)
|
b. No
|
|
2012/05/14
|
|
Honduras
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de 1982", art. 5: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/HN/honduras-constitucion-politica-de-1982-2021/ ;
Direct Democracy Law: "Ley de mecanismos de participación ciudadana (2013)”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/HN/honduras-ley-democracia-directa-2013/
|
2025/08/07
|
|
Hong Kong
|
c. No information available
|
|
2021/06/07
|
|
Hungary
|
b. No
|
(4) A national referendum shall be valid if more than half of all voters have validly voted and is effective if more than half of the voters who are validly voting form the same answer to the formulated question.
Source:
Constitution: The Fundamental Law of Hungary, The State, Article 8: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=140968.322953#foot_8_place.
|
2018/07/30
|
|
Iceland
|
a. Yes
|
"Proposals to amend or supplement this Constitution may be introduced at regular as well as extraordinary sessions of Althingi. If the proposal is adopted, Althingi shall immediately be dissolved and a general election held. If Althingi then passes the resolution unchanged, it shall be confirmed by the President of the Republic and come into force as constitutional law. If Althingi passes an amendment to the status of the Church under Article 62, it shall be submitted to a vote for approval or rejection by secret ballot of all those eligible to vote."
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Iceland, Art. 79
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iceland_2013?lang=en
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2020/07/27
|
|
India
|
c. No information available
|
Legal provisions for direct democracy measures are not found in the Constitution or Representation of the Peoples Act.
Source:
The Constitution of India: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/IN/india-constitution-as-amended-to-2007/view
Representation of the People Act, 1950: http://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/03_representation%20of%20the%20people%20act%2C%201950.pdf
Representation of the People Act, 1951: http://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/04_representation%20of%20the%20people%20act%2C%201951.pdf
|
2024/09/11
|
|
Indonesia
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/ID/indonesia-constitution/view
|
2014/04/02
|
|
Iran, Islamic Republic of
|
a. Yes
|
The revision of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, whenever needed by the circumstances, will be done in the following manner:
The Leader issues an edict to the President after consultation with the Nation's Exigency Council stipulating the amendments or additions to be made by the Council for Revision of the Constitution which consists of: [...] (3) The decisions of the Council, after the confirmation and signatures of the Leader, shall be valid if approved by an absolute majority vote in a national referendum. (4) The provisions of Article 59 shall not apply to the referendum for the "Revision of the Constitution."
Source:
Constitution of The Islamic Republic of Iran (1989), Art. 177 https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iran_1989.pdf
(2017)
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008): https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook_0.pdf
|
2024/11/19
|
|
Iraq
|
a. Yes
|
The fundamental principles enshrined in the Constitution may not be amended except after two successive electoral terms, with the approval of two-thirds of the members of the Council of Representatives, the approval of the people in a general referendum, and the ratification by the President of the Republic within seven days.
Articles of the Constitution may not be amended if such amendment takes away from the powers of the regions that are not within the exclusive powers of the federal authorities, except by the approval of the legislative authority of the concerned region and the approval of the majority of its citizens in a general referendum.
Source:
Iraqi Constitution, Articles 126 (2, 3, 4,), 131, & 142 (3, 4): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/mideast/IQ/Full%20Text%20of%20Iraqi%20Constitution.pdf/view
|
2018/04/19
|
|
Ireland
|
a. Yes
|
C:46:2 "Every proposal for an amendment of this Constitution shall be initiated in Dáil Éireann as a Bill, and shall upon having been passed or deemed to have been passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas, be submitted by Referendum to the decision of the people in accordance with the law for the time being in force relating to the Referendum."
Source:
Articles 46 and 47 of the Constitution of Ireland (Bunreacht na hÉireann); the Electoral Act 1992; the Referendum Act 1994; the Electoral (Amendment) Act 1998 and the Referendum Act 2001
Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=107&database_theme=309
|
2024/11/21
|
|
Israel
|
b. No
|
Source:
International IDEA Direct Democracy Handbook:
https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook.pdf
|
2019/06/13
|
|
Italy
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution, Art. 75
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Italy_2012?lang=en
|
2020/07/18
|
|
Japan
|
a. Yes
|
Constitution, ChIX, Art.96 "Amendments to this Constitution shall be initiated by the Diet, through a concurring vote of two-thirds or more of all the members of each House and shall thereupon be submitted to the people for ratification, which shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of all votes cast thereon, at a special referendum or at such election as the Diet shall specify."
Source:
The Constitution of Japan, Art.47:
https://japan.kantei.go.jp/constitution_and_government_of_japan/constitution_e.html
|
2019/07/10
|
|
Jersey
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2009/10/23
|
|
Jordan
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: http://www.kinghussein.gov.jo/constitution_jo.html (2012)
|
2016/08/05
|
|
Kazakhstan
|
b. No
|
Referendums are optional.
Amendments and additions to the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan may be introduced by a republican referendum, which shall be held by the decision of the President of the Republic, on his or her own initiative or on the proposal of the Parliament or the Government.
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan: amended on June 9th, 2021. Article 91.
https://www.akorda.kz/en/constitution-of-the-republic-of-kazakhstan-50912
|
2024/10/24
|
|
Kenya
|
a. Yes
|
any proposed amendment to the Constitution is approved by a Referendum.
Source:
The Constitution of Kenya Article 255
|
2012/03/15
|
|
Kiribati
|
a. Yes
|
In so far as it alters Chapter II of this Constitution, an Act under this section shall not come into operation unless the provisions contained in the Act effecting that alteration have, in accordance with any law in that behalf, been submitted to a referendum in which all persons who are registered as electors for the purposes of a general election shall be entitled to vote and unless those provisions have been supported by the votes of not less than two-third of all the persons entitled to vote in the referendum. Also, if the Speaker receives a petition calling for the removal of an elected member of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu signed by a majority of the persons who were registered as electors, at the time of the last election of that member, in the electoral district from which that member was last elected, he shall send the petition forthwith to the Electoral Commission. The Electoral Commission shall, as soon as practicable after receipt of a petition under the preceding subsection, conduct a referendum to determine whether the member named in the petition should vacate his seat in the Maneaba.
Source:
Constitution of Kiribati, Art 59 and Art 69 (3): https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) https://www.idea.int/publications/catalogue/direct-democracy-international-idea-handbook?lang=en
|
2020/05/03
|
|
Korea, Republic of
|
a. Yes
|
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, Article 130: https://elaw.klri.re.kr/eng_service/lawView.do?lang=ENG&hseq=1
|
2024/08/28
|
|
Kuwait
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: http://www.pm.gov.kw/en/state_Of_Kuwait/kuwaitConstitution.jsp (2013)
|
2013/01/30
|
|
Kyrgyzstan
|
a. Yes
|
The law on introducing changes to the present Constitution may be adopted by referendum called by the Jogorku Kenesh.
Source:
Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic (2021), art. 116: https://constsot.kg/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/constitution-of-the-kyrgyz-republic.pdf
Constitutional Law on Referendum in Kyrgyz Republic 2016(amended in 2019), art. 7: https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/d2/KYRG_Const%20Law%20on%20Referendum.pdf
|
2025/05/07
|
|
Lao People's Democratic Republic
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view
|
2021/02/28
|
|
Latvia
|
a. Yes
|
Law: Article 1: A national referendum shall be held if:
1) the Saeima has amended the first, second, third, fourth, sixth or seventy-seventh Article of the Constitution (Satversme);
2) the President of Latvia has proposed the dissolution of the Saeima;
3) the President of Latvia has suspended the proclamation of a law for two months, and during this period a petition by not fewer than one-tenth of the electorate has been received to put the suspended law to a national referendum;
4) the Saeima has not adopted without change as to its content a draft law or a draft amendment to the Constitution submitted by not less than one-tenth of the electorate;
5) membership of Latvia in the European Union must be decided;
6) substantial changes in the terms regarding the membership of Latvia in the European Union must be decided, and at least one-half of the members of the Saeima have requested a national referendum on this matter.
Source:
Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Latvia as amended on 8 April 2009, art. 48, 50, 68, 72, 74, 77-79: http://legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/4777/file/Latvia_Constitution_am2009_en.pdf (2014);
Law: Law on National Referendum and Initiation of Legislation as amended till 26 February 2009, art. 1.
|
2014/10/09
|
|
Lebanon
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=124&database_theme=309
|
2024/11/20
|
|
Lesotho
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution: Constitution of Lesotho, 66A(1)
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2015/03/15
|
|
Liberia
|
a. Yes
|
The Constitution may be amended whenever a proposal by either (1) two-thirds of the membership of both Houses of the Legislature or (2) a petition submitted to the Legislature, by not fewer than 10,000 citizens which receives the concurrence of two-thirds of the membership of bout Houses of Legislature, is ratified by two-thirds of the registered voters, voting in a referendum conducted by the Elections Commission not sooner
than one year after the action of the Legislature.
Source:
The 1986 Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, Art. 91, http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/LR/liberia-amended-electoral-laws-2014/view
|
2024/10/25
|
|
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
|
a. Yes
|
The permanent Constitution of the new state must be approved through a referendum.
Source:
The Constitutional Declaration, Art. 28. (National Transitional Council of Libya): https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Libya_2011
|
2024/11/25
|
|
Liechtenstein
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of the Principality of Liechtenstein [2014], Articles 42(2,3), 64, 65(2), 66, 66bis, 112, and 113.
https://www.llv.li/files/rdr/Verfassung-E-01-02-2014.pdf
|
2022/08/02
|
|
Lithuania
|
a. Yes
|
Article 4:
1. Referendums shall be mandatory with regard to the following issues:
1) on the amendment to the provision of Article 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania that, “the State of Lithuania shall be an independent and democratic republic;”
2) on the amendment to the provisions of Chapter I of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania, “the State of Lithuania;”
3) on the amendment to the provisions of Chapter XIV of the Republic of Lithuania Constitution, “Amending the Constitution;”
4) on the amendment to the Constitutional Act, dated June 8, 1992, “On Non-Alignment of the Republic of Lithuania to Post-Soviet Eastern Alliances;”
5) regarding participation by the Republic of Lithuania in international organizations, should this participation be linked with the partial transfer of the scope of competence of Government bodies to the institutions of international organizations or the jurisdiction thereof.
2. Mandatory referendums may be held also with regard to other laws or provisions thereof, which 300 thousand citizens having the right to vote or the Seimas shall submit a proposal for to be decided by means of a referendum
Source:
Republic of Lithuania, Law on Referendum (4 June 2002, As last amended on 6 May 2014 — No XII-860), art. 4
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/7b65c002233a11e6acbed8d454428fb7?jfwid=nz8qn8fey
|
2020/06/05
|
|
Luxembourg
|
b. No
|
Source:
Law on Referendum on a national level; https://legilux.public.lu/eli/etat/leg/loi/2005/02/04/n1/jo
Constitution, Art. 51(7), 114: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Luxembourg_2009
Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=130&database_theme=309
|
2024/11/21
|
|
Macedonia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of
|
a. Yes
|
Constitution:
Article 74:
The Assembly makes decisions on any change in the borders of the Republic by a two-thirds majority vote of the total number of Representatives. The decision on any change in the borders of the Republic is adopted by referendum, in so far as it is accepted by the majority of the total number of voters.
Article 120: The decision of association in or dissociation from a union or community is adopted if it is upheld in a referendum by the majority of the total number of voters in the Republic.
Law on Referendum:
Article 23: Referendum at state level must be scheduled for adopting a decision in the Assembly for changing
the border of the Republic of Macedonia and for decision on joining in or joining out of an
association or community with other states.
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia, art. 74 and 120.
https://www.sobranie.mk/the-constitution-of-the-republic-of-macedonia-ns_article-constitution-of-the-republic-of-north-macedonia.nspx
Law on Referendum and civil initiative, art. 23:
https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/a9/NMAC_on%20referendum.pdf
|
2024/11/20
|
|
Madagascar
|
a. Yes
|
Any treaty for membership of Madagascar to an international organisation must be submitted to a referendum.
A proposal to amend the Constitution must be approved by the parliament and submitted to a referendum.
Source:
Constitution, art. 137 (5), 162 (3): http://www.ceni-madagascar.mg/dossier/constitution.pdf (2013)
|
2013/02/12
|
|
Malawi
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Referendum Act (No. 6 of 2018)
|
2025/05/26
|
|
Malaysia
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: http://confinder.richmond.edu/admin/docs/malaysia.pdf (2013)
|
2013/03/21
|
|
Maldives
|
a. Yes
|
Constitution (2008)
62.(a)The Bill amending the Constitution passed by the People’s Majlis shall come into force upon obtaining the written assent of the President.
(b)Despite the provisions of article (a) above, the President shall give written assent to any amendments made by the People’s Majlis to the following provisions of this Constitution only after a public referendum decides so by a majority of the votes cast. 1.Any of the provisions contained in Chapter II (The Maldivian Charter of Rights and Freedoms) of this Constitution; 2.Article 79(a) (Term of Majlis); 3.Article 107 (Term of office), and Article 108 (Presidential election); where the amendment does not receive a majority approval in the public referendum, it shall be deemed to have been defeated.
Source:
Constitution (2008), art. 262: http://www.majlis.gov.mv/en/wp-content/uploads/Constitution-english.pdf (2018)
|
2019/02/13
|
|
Mali
|
a. Yes
|
C:118 [...] "A project or proposal of revision must be voted-in by the National Assembly with a majority of the two tiers of its members. A revision is only definite after being approved by referendum."
C:120 "The present Constitution must be put to referendum. In the event that it is welcomed by a majority of the votes cast, the President of the Committee of Transition for the Good of the People shall proceed with promulgation within the conditions established by the present Constitution."
Source:
The Constitution of the Republic of Mali, art. 118 and 120
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2006/12/30
|
|
Malta
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution, Art. 66 (3): http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012)
|
2012/05/22
|
|
Marshall Islands
|
a. Yes
|
Constitutional amendments, and the holding of a Constitutional Convention to consider require approval by referendum.
Source:
Constitution, art. XII (3-4). https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Marshall_Islands_1995
|
2023/10/12
|
|
Mauritania
|
a. Yes
|
No cession, no exchange, and no annexation of territory is valid without the consent of the people who shall decide through referendum.
Constitutional revisions must be approved by a simple majority of the votes cast in a referendum.
Source:
Constitution as amended by Constitutional Law n° 2012-015, art. 78 (2), 99, 100, 101: www.mauritania.mr (2012)
|
2024/10/28
|
|
Mauritius
|
a. Yes
|
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;"
Source:
Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Mauritius, art. 47(3)
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2012/02/25
|
|
Mexico
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: "Constitución Política de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos", art. 35 (VIII): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/MX/mexico-constitucion-2024/ ;
Referendum Law: "Ley Federal de Consulta Popular": https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/MX/mexico-lfcpo-2024/
|
2024/04/12
|
|
Micronesia, Federated States of
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Direct Democracy Database, IDEA, https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=145&database_theme=309
|
2025/03/28
|
|
Moldova, Republic of
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2021/03/30
|
|
Monaco
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution
|
2012/04/27
|
|
Mongolia
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution, Art. 25 (1.16), 66 & 68: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Mongolia_2001?lang=en (2017)
|
2020/02/17
|
|
Montenegro
|
a. Yes
|
Article 3: (1) The republican referendum must be called for the purpose of a prior pronouncement of citizens on any changes in the status of the country, changes in the form of a government and any changes of frontiers.
Source:
Law: Law on Referendum as of 19 February 2001, art. 3(1).
https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL(2005)076-e
|
2021/12/25
|
|
Morocco
|
a. Yes
|
Article 174: The bills and proposals of revision of the Constitution are submitted by Dahir to
referendum. The revision of the Constitution is definitive after having been adopted by way [vole] of referendum...
Source:
Morocco's Constitution of 2011, Article 174: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Morocco_2011.pdf
|
2022/08/02
|
|
Mozambique
|
a. Yes
|
Constitutional amendments touching certain fundamental constitutional principles must be approved by referendum.
Source:
Constitution, art. 292 (2): http://www.portaldogoverno.gov.mz/Legisla/constituicao_republica/constituicao.pdf (2013)
|
2013/04/15
|
|
Namibia
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2012/06/12
|
|
Nauru
|
a. Yes
|
Referenda required for Constitutional amendments.
Source:
Constitution 1968, Art. 84.
|
2019/07/11
|
|
Nepal
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of Nepal 2015, Article 275:
http://www.lawcommission.gov.np/en/documents/2016/01/constitution-of-nepal-2.pdf
Article
|
2018/04/06
|
|
Netherlands
|
b. No
|
There are no provisions for mandatory referendums in the legislation of the country (IDEA). Proposals for a binding referendum have repeatedly failed in the Netherlands (98-100).
Source:
International IDEA Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/node/301934; T. W. G. van der Meer et al., "The rise and fall of the Dutch referendum law (2015-2018): inititiation, use, and abolition of the corrective, citizen-initiated, and non-binding referendum," 27 August 202
|
2022/08/02
|
|
New Zealand
|
b. No
|
|
2024/07/12
|
|
Nicaragua
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 2:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/constitucion/constitucion-politica-de-nicaragua-con-reformas-a/ (2016).
|
2016/06/07
|
|
Niger
|
a. Yes
|
A constitutional amendment must be submitted to a referendum if it is approved by less of 4/5 of the deputies to the National Assembly.
Source:
Constitution of 25 November 2010 with its amendments, art. 174: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Niger_2010.pdf (2016)
|
2016/05/04
|
|
Nigeria
|
a. Yes
|
An Act of the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new State shall only be passed if 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 and 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.
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 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 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.
Source:
Constitution 1999 (as amended), art. 8: http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?file_id=179202 (2013)
|
2015/03/30
|
|
Niue
|
a. Yes
|
All matters concerning constitutional changes must be passed in a referendum. Proposed amendments concerning sections 2-9 of the Constitution must pass with a 2/3 majority to take effect. All other proposed Constitutional changes must pass with a simple majority.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 35.; Constitutional Polls Act.
|
2014/06/23
|
|
Northern Mariana Islands
|
c. No information available
|
|
2024/12/10
|
|
Norway
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2012/05/22
|
|
Oman
|
b. No
|
Source:
Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011: https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/oman_basic_statute_of_the_state_2011-english.pdf
|
2025/05/12
|
|
Pakistan
|
b. No
|
If at any time the Prime Minister considers it necessary to hold a referendum on any matter of national importance, he may refer the matter to a joint sitting of Parliament and if it is approved in a joint sitting, the Prime Minister may cause such matter to be referred to a referendum in the form of a question that is capable of being answered. This is the only statement made about referendums.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 48 (6)
https://na.gov.pk/uploads/documents/1333523681_951.pdf
|
2024/02/07
|
|
Palau
|
a. Yes
|
"Major governmental powers including but not limited to defense, security, or foreign affairs may be delegated by treaty, compact, or other agreement between the sovereign Republic of Palau and another sovereign nation or international organization, provided such treaty, compact or agreement shall be approved by not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the members of each house of the Olbiil Era Kelulau and by a majority of the votes cast in a nationwide referendum conducted for such purpose, provided, that any such agreement which authorizes use, testing, storage or disposal of nuclear, toxic chemical, gas or biological weapons intended for use in warfare shall require approval of not less than three-fourths (3/4) of the votes cast in such referendum."
"Harmful substances such as nuclear, chemical, gas or biological weapons intended for use in warfare, nuclear power plants, and waste materials therefrom, shall not be used, tested, stored, or disposed of within the territorial jurisdiction of Palau without the express approval of not less than three-fourths (3/4) of the votes cast in a referendum submitted on this specific question."
"The national government shall have exclusive power to regulate importation of firearms and ammunition. No persons except armed forces personnel lawfully in Palau and law enforcement officers acting in an official capacity shall have the right to possess firearms or ammunition unless authorized by legislation which is approved in a nationwide referendum by a majority of the votes cast on the issue."
"An amendment to this Constitution may be proposed by a Constitutional Convention, popular initiative, or by the Olbiil Era Kelulau, as provided herein: at least once every fifteen (15) years, the Olbiil Era Kelulau may submit to the voters the question: “Shall there be a Convention to revise or amend the Constitution?”. If a majority of the votes cast upon the question is in the affirmative, a Constitution Convention shall be convened within six (6) months thereafter, in a manner prescribed by law..."
"A proposed amendment to this Constitution shall become effective when approved in the next regular general election by a majority of the votes cast on that amendment and in not less than three-fourths (3/4) of the states."
"Any amendment to this Constitution proposed for the purpose of avoiding inconsistency with the Compact of Free Association shall require approval by a majority of the votes cast on that amendment and in not less than three-fourths (3/4) of the states. Such amendment shall remain in effect only as long as the inconsistency continues."
") To avoid inconsistencies found prior to this amendment by the Supreme Court of Palau to exist between section 324 of the Compact of Free Association and its subsidiary agreements with the United States of America and other sections of the Constitution of the Republic of Palau, Article XIII, section 6 of the Constitution and the final phrase of Article II, section 3, reading “provided, that any such agreement which authorizes use, testing, storage or disposal of nuclear, toxic chemical, gas or biological weapons intended for use in warfare shall require approval of not less than three fourth (3/4) of the votes cast in such referendum,” shall not apply to votes to approve the Compact of Free Association and its subsidiary agreements (as previously agreed to and signed by the parties or as they may hereafter be amended, so long as such amendments are not themselves inconsistent with the Constitution) or during the terms of such compact and agreements."
Source:
Constitution, Art. II (3), XIII (6 & 12), XIV (1 & 2), XV (11).
|
2016/11/04
|
|
Palestine
|
b. No
|
Source:
Palestinian Basic Law: http://www.osservatorioiraq.it/sites/default/files/Palestinian%20Basic%20Law%20with%20Amendements%20-%20english.pdf (2013)
|
2013/04/09
|
|
Panama
|
a. Yes
|
Some constitutional amendments and international Panama Canal-related agreements must be approved by referendum.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 313 (2), 325: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 485–487, 509: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
|
2024/12/05
|
|
Papua New Guinea
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea: http://www.igr.gov.pg/constitution.pdf (2017)
|
2017/03/16
|
|
Paraguay
|
a. Yes
|
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."
Source:
Electoral Law: Código Electoral Paraguayo (Ley 834/96), art. 259-275:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PY/paraguay-codigo-electoral-2014/ (2014)
|
2023/03/16
|
|
Peru
|
a. Yes
|
Any constitutional amendment must be approved by the Congress with absolute majority of the total number of its members, and ratified by referendum. Referendum may be omitted when the consent of Congress is obtained in two successive regular sessions with a favorable vote by more than two thirds of the number of members of the Congress.
Source:
Constitution as amended by Law No 29402 of 2011, art. 206: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PE/constitucion/peru-constitucion-politica-2011/ (2016);
Law No 26300 on Political participation and control rights of the citizens:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PE/peru-ley-de-los-derechos-de-participacion-y/ (2016)
|
2016/02/18
|
|
Philippines
|
a. Yes
|
Constitutional Provisions:
Art. XVI, Sec. 2: The Congress may, by law, adopt a new name for the country, a national anthem, or a national seal, which shall all be truly reflective and symbolic of the ideals, history, and traditions of the people. Such law shall take effect only upon its ratification by the people in a national referendum.
Art. XVII, Sec. 4: Any amendment to, or revision of, the Constitution shall be valid when ratified by a majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite which shall be held not earlier than sixty days nor later than ninety days after the approval of such amendment or revision.
Art. XVIII, Sec. 25: After the expiration in 1991 of the Agreement between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America concerning Military Bases, foreign military bases, troops, or facilities shall not be allowed in the Philippines except under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate and, when the Congress so requires, ratified by a majority of the votes cast by the people in a national referendum held for that purpose, and recognized as a treaty by the other contracting State.
Source:
Constitution, Art. XVI, Sec. 2; Art. XVII, Sec. 4; Art. XVIII, Sec. 25: http://www.gov.ph/constitutions/1987-constitution/ (2016)
Republic Act No. 6735 "The Initiative and Referendum Act": http://www.comelec.gov.ph/?r=References/RelatedLaws/ElectionLaws/OtherElectionLaws/RA6735 (2016)
|
2016/05/12
|
|
Poland
|
a. Yes
|
If a bill to amend the Constitution relates to the provisions of Chapters I, II or XII, the subjects specified in para. 1 above may require, within 45 days of the adoption of the bill by the Senate, the holding of a confirmatory referendum. Such subjects shall make application in the matter to the Marshal of the Sejm, who shall order the holding of a referendum within 60 days of the day of receipt of the application. The amendment to the Constitution shall be deemed accepted if the majority of those voting express support for such amendment.
Source:
Election Code: Act of 5 January 2011 on Election Code to the Sejm of the Republic of Poland and to the Senate of the Republic of Poland, article 235 (6): https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/40/POL_Election%20Code.pdf
The Act of 14th March 2003 on nationwide referendum
|
2024/11/13
|
|
Portugal
|
a. Yes
|
The establishment of administrative regions is subject to mandatory referendum.
Source:
European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission), Referendums in Europe - An Analysis of the Legal Rules in European States (2005), page 7; Constitution of the Portuguese Republic, Seventh Revision [2005], Articles 255, 256: https://www.parlamento.pt/sites/EN/Parliament/Documents/Constitution7th.pdf
|
2024/10/10
|
|
Puerto Rico
|
a. Yes
|
Each proposal for a constitutional amendment must be submitted to a special referendum for its approval or rejection by a majority of the votes cast.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, art. VI (s. 1), VII (s. 1, 2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/
|
2020/11/03
|
|
Qatar
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution, art. 75: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Qatar_2003
|
2025/05/08
|
|
Romania
|
a. Yes
|
Article 95: (3) If the proposal of suspension from office has been approved, a referendum shall be held within 30 days, in order to remove the President from office.
Article 151: (3) The revision of the Constitution shall be final after the approval by a referendum held within 30 days of the date of passing the draft or proposal of
revision.
Source:
Constitution: Constitution of Romania, amended in 2003, art. 95, 150-152.
http://www.cdep.ro/pls/dic/site.page?den=act2_2&par1=3#t3c2s0a90 (2014)
|
2020/08/24
|
|
Russian Federation
|
a. Yes
|
In Russia, the mandatory referendum may be provided for only by an international treaty.
Source:
EUROPEAN COMMISSION FOR DEMOCRACY THROUGH LAW (VENICE COMMISSION)
REFERENDUMS IN EUROPE – AN ANALYSIS OF THE LEGAL RULES IN EUROPEAN STATES: https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-AD(2005)034-e
|
2024/03/27
|
|
Rwanda
|
a. Yes
|
It shall not be permitted to cede or exchange part of the territory of Rwanda or join to Rwanda part of another country without the consent of the people by referendum.
If a constitutional amendment concerns the term of the President of the Republic or the system of democratic government based on political pluralism, or the constitutional regime established by this Constitution especially the
republican form of the government or national sovereignty, the amendment must be passed by referendum, after adoption by each Chamber of Parliament.
Source:
Constitution (2015), Art. 167, 175: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/RW/rwanda-constitution-versions-francaise-et-anglaise/view
|
2017/03/03
|
|
Saint Kitts and Nevis
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis
|
2020/04/20
|
|
Saint Lucia
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2009/10/26
|
|
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Electoral Law
|
2021/12/27
|
|
Samoa
|
c. No information available
|
|
2021/04/10
|
|
San Marino
|
a. Yes
|
Constitutional amendments and laws implementing the fundamental principles enshrined in the Constitution shall be subject to a referendum within ninety days of their approval by the Parliament.
Source:
Law n.101 of 28 November 1994 "New Rules for referendum and people's legislative initiative": http://www.consigliograndeegenerale.sm/contents/instance18/files/document/21630leggi_5165.pdf (2012);
Constitution, Art. 3 bis, 17, (Available on the Official Website of the Parliament: http://www.consigliograndeegenerale.sm)
|
2012/05/28
|
|
Sao Tome and Principe
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution, Art. 123 (2):https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Sao_Tome_and_Principe_1990.pdf?lang=en (2016)
|
2016/06/28
|
|
Saudi Arabia
|
b. No
|
Source:
The Basic Law of Governance: http://www.boe.gov.sa/ViewSystemDetails.aspx?lang=en&SystemID=4 (2012)
|
2012/08/20
|
|
Senegal
|
a. Yes
|
The initiative of the revision of the Constitution belongs jointly to the President of the Republic and to the deputies. The Prime Minister can propose to the President of the Republic a revision of Constitution. The project or the proposal for a revision of the Constitution is adopted by the assemblies. The revision is final after being approved by referendum.
However, the project or the proposal will not be presented to the referendum when the President of the Republic decides to submit it to the Parliament convened in Congress. In this case, the project or the proposal is approved if it unites the majority of the three fifths (3/5) of the votes.
Source:
Constitution 2012, art. 27, 103: http://www.assemblee-nationale.sn/images/stories/PDF/constitution_du_senegal.pdf (2017)
English: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Senegal_2009?lang=en (2017)
|
2017/03/22
|
|
Serbia
|
a. Yes
|
Article 182
Territory of autonomous provinces and the terms under which borders between autonomous provinces may be altered shall be regulated by the Law. Territory of autonomous provinces may not be altered without the consent of its citizens given in a referendum, in accordance with the Law.
Article 188
Establishment, revocation or alteration of the territory of a local self-government unit shall be preceded by a referendum on the territory of that local self-government unit.
Source:
Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Serbia, art. 182, 188.
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/RS/constitution-of-the-republic-of-serbia-2006/view
|
2017/03/15
|
|
Seychelles
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Seychelles (2011). Art. 91
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/SC/seychelles-constitution-2011/view
|
2025/03/03
|
|
Sierra Leone
|
a. Yes
|
A Bill for an Act of Parliament enacting a new Constitution or altering certain constitutional provisions shall not be submitted to the President for his assent and shall not become law unless the Bill, after it has been passed by Parliament and in the form in which it was so passed, has, in accordance with the provisions of any law in that behalf, been submitted to and been approved at a referendum. (Constitution, art. 108)
Source:
Constitution (2008), art. 108: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/SL/sierra-leone-constitution-2008/
|
2017/01/16
|
|
Singapore
|
a. Yes
|
There shall be no surrender or transfer, either wholly or in part, of the sovereignty of the Republic of Singapore as an independent nation, whether by way of merger or incorporation with any other sovereign state or with any Federation, Confederation, country or territory or in any other manner whatsoever; and no relinquishment of control over the Singapore Police Force or the Singapore Armed Forces, unless such surrender, transfer or relinquishment has been supported, at a national referendum, by not less than two-thirds of the total number of votes cast by the electors registered.
8.1 A Bill for making an amendment to this Part shall not be passed by Parliament unless it has been supported, at a national referendum, by not less than two-thirds of the total number of votes cast by the electors registered under the Parliamentary Elections Act (Cap. 218).
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Singapore, art. 5A, 6 (1), 8: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Singapore_2010?lang=en (2017)
|
2017/03/24
|
|
Slovakia
|
a. Yes
|
Article 93
(1)A referendum is used to confirm a constitutional law on entering into a union with other states, or on withdrawing from that union.
(2)A referendum can be used to decide also on other important issues of public interest.
(3)Basic rights and freedoms, taxes, levies and the state budget may not be the subject of a referendum.
Article 94
Every citizen of the Slovak Republic who has the right to vote in elections of the
National Council of the Slovak Republic is entitled to participate in the referendum.
Article 95
(1) The referendum is called by the President of the Slovak Republic if requested by a
petition signed by a minimum of 350,000 citizens, or on the basis of a resolution of the
National Council of the Slovak Republic, within 30 days after the receipt of the citizens'
petition, or the resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic.
(2) The President of the Slovak Republic may, before calling a referendum, file with the
Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic a petition for a decision whether the subject of
the referendum, which should be called on the basis of a citizens’ petition or a resolution of
the National Council of the Slovak Republic pursuant to paragraph 1, is in compliance with
the Constitution or a constitutional law. If the President of the Slovak Republic files with
the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic a petition for a decision whether the
subject of the referendum which should be called on the basis of a citizens’ petition or a
resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic is in compliance with the
Constitution or a constitutional act, the period pursuant to paragraph 1 shall not continue
from filing of a petition by the President of the Slovak Republic until the decision of the
Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic becomes effective.
Article 96
(1) The motion to pass a resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic on
calling a referendum may be introduced by Members of Parliament, or by the Government
of the Slovak Republic.
(2) A referendum shall be held within 90 days from the day it was called by the
President of the Slovak Republic.
Article 97
(1) A referendum may not be held within 90 days prior to elections to the National
Council of the Slovak Republic.
(2) A referendum may be held on the day of elections to the National Council of the
Slovak Republic.
Article 98
(1) The results of the referendum are valid if more than one-half of eligible voters
participated in it and if the decision was endorsed by more than one half of the participants
in the referendum.
(2) The proposals adopted in the referendum will be promulgated by the National
Council of the Slovak Republic in the same way as it promulgates laws.
Article 99
(1) The National Council of the Slovak Republic may amend or annul the result of a
referendum by means of a constitutional law no sooner than three years after the result of
the referendum came into effect.
(2) A referendum on the same issue may be repeated no sooner than three years from
the day it was held.
Article 100
A law shall lay down the manner in which the referendum will be carried out.
Source:
The Constitution of the Slovak Republic, Articles 93-100
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/constitution-of-the-slovak-republic-as-amended-to/view
|
2024/10/25
|
|
Slovenia
|
a. Yes
|
Article 170: The National Assembly must submit a proposed constitutional amendment to voters for adoption in a referendum, if so required by at least thirty deputies.
Source:
Constitution, Article 170
The National Assembly must submit a proposed constitutional amendment to voters for adoption in a referendum, if so required by at least thirty deputies.
|
2017/03/30
|
|
Solomon Islands
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of 1978,amended 2014: https://constituteproject.org/constitution/Solomon_Islands_2014.pdf?lang=en.(2019)
|
2019/03/01
|
|
Somalia
|
a. Yes
|
In a referendum held concerning the Provisional Constitution as amended, held before the end of the first term of the House of the People, the electorate of the Federal Republic of Somalia may adopt the new Constitution by a majority vote in favor of the final version of this Constitution. If a majority of those voting in the referendum vote to approve the final Constitution as amended, that Constitution becomes the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
If the Parliament approves one or more proposed amendments concerning the review of the final Constitution, it shall conduct a referendum on the revised Constitution as amended.
Source:
Transitional Constitution of 2012, Art. 132 (10), 136 (2), 137:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/SO/somalia-provisional-constitution-of-2012/view
|
2016/11/25
|
|
South Africa
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2014/05/01
|
|
South Sudan
|
b. No
|
Source:
Transitional Constitution 2011, art. 193: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/4e269a3e2.html%C2%A0 (2012)
|
2021/06/02
|
|
Spain
|
a. Yes
|
The Statute of Autonomy of a region must be approved by the electorate in the provinces within the territory to be covered by the proposed Statute. Furthermore, if a total revision of the Constitution is proposed (or a modification of the core principles), once it has been approved by the Cortes Generales with a majority of 2/3, it shall be submitted to ratification by referendum.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Española”, art. 167, 168:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-constitucion-espanola-2011-2016/
|
2025/04/24
|
|
Sri Lanka
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution, Art. 83, 85: http://www.parliament.lk/constitution/constitution.jsp (2012);
The Referendum Act of 1981: http://www.commonlii.org/lk/legis/num_act/ra7o1981166/index.html (2012)
|
2016/02/15
|
|
Sudan
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
The Interim National Constitution of 2005, art. 183 (3), 219, 220, 222: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/4ba749762.html (2012)
|
2012/09/04
|
|
Suriname
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution, Art. 186: http://pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/Suriname/english.html (2012)
|
2025/03/28
|
|
Swaziland
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2012/06/12
|
|
Sweden
|
a. Yes
|
Since 1980, it has been possible to hold referendums on pending changes to the Constitution. This is also the case for approval of international agreements that require changes to the Constitution and for transferal of decision-making
authority to the EU and other international organisations.
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);
|
2014/08/04
|
|
Switzerland
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution, Art. 140: https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2015);
Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 10 - 15, 58, 76: http://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19760323/index.html (2014).
|
2025/03/28
|
|
Syrian Arab Republic
|
a. Yes
|
C:Ch2:Part1:55 "The law provides for elections and plebiscites. It defines the conditions to be met by members of the People's Assembly."
C:Ch2:Part2:Sec1:84 "Upon the proposal of the Arab Socialist Baath Party regional command, the Assembly issues the order for election of the President: 1) the candidacy is proposed to the citizens for referendum; 2) the referendum takes place upon the request of the President of the Assembly; 3) the new president is elected before termination of the term of the present President, within a period of not less than 30 days and not more than 60 days; 4) the candidate becomes President of the Republic if he obtains an absolute majority of the total votes. If he fails to obtain this majority, the Assembly names another candidate. The same procedures are followed concerning the election, provided this takes place within 1 month from the time the results of the first plebiscite were announced."
C:Ch2:Part2:Sec1:88 "The first Vice President of the Republic or the Vice President named by the President, carries out the President's duties if the President fails to do so. If the incapacity is permanent or in case of death or resignation, a referendum takes place to elect a new President in accordance with the provisions of Article 84, within a period not exceeding 90 days. If the Assembly is dissolved or if its term is due to expire in less than 90 days, the first Vice President carries out the President's duties until the new Assembly convenes."
C:Ch2:Part2:Sec1:89 "If the post of President becomes vacant and there is no Vice President, the Prime Minister exercises all the President's powers and jurisdictions until a new President is elected by means of referendum within 90 days."
C:Ch3:Part2:146 "The Supreme Constitutional Court has no right to look into laws which the President of the Republic submits to public referendum and are approved by the people."
Source:
The 1973 Constitution of the Syrian Arab Republic, art. 55, 84, and 89
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2014/06/03
|
|
Taiwan
|
b. No
|
|
2020/04/13
|
|
Tajikistan
|
a. Yes
|
The Constitution of the Republic of Tajikistan is subject to amendments exclusively via referendum.
Changing or cancellation of decision made at referendum can be done only through referendum.
Amendments and supplements to the Constitution of the Republic of Tajikistan gain juridical force after the announcement of the results of a national referendum from the day of their official publication.
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Tajikistan, art. 100.
Constitutional Law of the Republic of Tajikistan on Referendum in the Republic of Tajikistan, art. 33.
|
2025/02/18
|
|
Tanzania, United Republic of
|
a. Yes
|
For purposes of validation of the provisions of the proposed Constitution, there shall be a referendum to be organized, conducted and supervised by the National Electoral Commission in collaboration with the Zanzibar Electoral Commission.
Source:
The Constitutional Review Act No. 8 of 2011 as amended by the Act No. 2 of 2012, art. 31 (1): http://polis.parliament.go.tz/PAMS/docs/8Eng-2011.pdf (2013)
|
2013/03/13
|
|
Thailand
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand:
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Thailand_2017
|
2023/10/11
|
|
Timor-Leste
|
a. Yes
|
Provisions regarding the republican form of government and the National Flag may be reviewed through a national referendum.
Source:
Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, article 156 (2): https://timor-leste.gov.tl/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Constitution_RDTL_ENG.pdf
|
2024/11/14
|
|
Togo
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution, art. 144 (3): http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country,LEGAL,,LEGISLATION,TGO,456d621e2,48ef43c72,0.html (2013)
|
2013/01/10
|
|
Tonga
|
b. No
|
Neither the Constitution, nor the electoral legislation include provisions for any referenda.
Source:
Constitution of Tonga: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/Tonga%20Act%20of%20Constitution%201988.pdf/view (2021)
|
2021/09/15
|
|
Trinidad and Tobago
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
|
2020/08/22
|
|
Tunisia
|
b. No
|
Source:
The Constitution of 26 January 2014, art. 82, 144: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/TN/tunisia-constitution-of-26-january-2014/view (2014);
Organic Law n° 2014-16 of 26 May 2014 on Elections and Referenda: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/TN/tunisia-organic-law-on-elections-and-referenda/view (2014).
|
2019/08/05
|
|
Turkey
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Turkey, art. 175: https://global.tbmm.gov.tr/docs/constitution_en.pdf
|
2016/01/21
|
|
Turkmenistan
|
a. Yes
|
The Acts to amend the Constitution shall be considered adopted if voted for
by at least two-third of the established deputies of Mejlis, or in case of a national referendum, if supported by more than half of the participating citizens of Turkmenistan.
Decisions adopted by referendums may be repealed or amended only through
referendum.
The question for removal of President of Turkmenistan from the office is put on national referendum.
Parliament can be dissolved prematurely on the basis of a decision through national referendum.
Source:
Constitution of Turkmenistan (2008), art. 94, 117, 57 (2), 61 (1): http://www.legislationline.org/documents/section/constitutions/country/51 (2013)
|
2013/03/06
|
|
Turks and Caicos Islands
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: “The Constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TC/turks-and-caicos-constitution-2014/ ;
Final Report of the Electoral Observation Mission conducted by the British Islands and Mediterranean Region (BIMR) of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA UK) between 8th and 18th December 2016: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TC/turks-and-caicos-cpa-uk-bimr-eom-final-report-2016/
|
2025/09/30
|
|
Tuvalu
|
b. No
|
There are no provisions for referenda in the Constitution.
Source:
Constitution.
|
2012/06/20
|
|
Uganda
|
a. Yes
|
Bills regarding the following issues shall be supported by not less than two-thirds of all members of Parliament, and approved by the people in a referendum: sovereignty of the people, supremacy of the Constitution, prohibition of derogation from particular human rights and freedoms, political systems, change of political systems by referenda or elections,
prohibition of one party state, functions of Parliament,tenure of office of the President, independence of the judiciary, amendments requiring a referendum and Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders.
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, art. 260 : http://www.ec.or.ug/docs/Constitution_1995.pdf(2025)
|
2025/12/05
|
|
Ukraine
|
a. Yes
|
Alterations to the territory of Ukraine shall be resolved exclusively by the All-Ukrainian referendum.
A draft law on making amendments to Title I General Principles, Title III Elections, Referendum, and Title XIII Making Amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine, shall be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine by the President of Ukraine, or by not less than two-thirds of the constitutional membership of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, provided that it is adopted by at least two-thirds of the constitutional members of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, be approved by an All-Ukrainian referendum called by the President of Ukraine.
Source:
Constitution, art. 73, 156
https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/en/254%D0%BA/96-%D0%B2%D1%80
|
2019/03/12
|
|
United Arab Emirates
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/United_Arab_Emirates_2009?lang=en
|
2019/09/25
|
|
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
|
b. No
|
Source:
Political Parties elections and referendums Act 2000, Part VII. The Conduct Regulations
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/part/VII
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008)
http://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook.pdf
|
2025/06/30
|
|
United States of America
|
b. No
|
The U.S. Constitution and subsequent national-level legislation do not allow for national referendums.
Source:
U.S. Constitution:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/US/united-states-of-america-constitution-1992/view
|
2024/10/15
|
|
Uruguay
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution: Constitución de la República de Uruguay, art. 331, https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/UY/uruguay-constitucion-de-la-republica-2004-vigente/view (2004).
|
2024/12/19
|
|
Uzbekistan
|
a. Yes
|
The Republic of Karakalpakstan shall have the right to secede from the Republic of Uzbekistan on the basis of a nation-wide referendum held by the people of Karakalpakstan.
Source:
The Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Chapter 17, Article 89: https://constitution.uz/en/clause/index
|
2024/08/26
|
|
Vanuatu
|
a. Yes
|
A bill for an amendment of a provision of the Constitution regarding the status of Bislama, English and French, the electoral system, or the parliamentary system, passed by Parliament under Article 85, shall not come into effect unless it has been supported in a national referendum.
Source:
Constitution, art. 86: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
|
2016/01/27
|
|
Venezuela
|
a. Yes
|
The Constitutional Reform Bill passed by the National Assembly shall be submitted to a referendum within thirty days from its approval.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela”, arts. 218, 344: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/VE/venezuela-constitucion-reforma-2009/
|
2020/11/15
|
|
Viet Nam
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of 1992 as amended, art. 53, 84 (14), 91 (12):
http://www.moj.gov.vn/vbpq/en/Lists/Vn%20bn%20php%20lut/View_Detail.aspx?ItemID=10450 (2016)
|
2021/03/24
|
|
Virgin Islands, British
|
c. No information available
|
|
2019/03/05
|
|
Virgin Islands, U.S.
|
c. No information available
|
|
2009/08/14
|
|
Western Sahara
|
c. No information available
|
|
2009/08/14
|
|
Yemen
|
a. Yes
|
The President of the Republic may not dissolve the House of Representatives
except in urgent circumstances and only after a nationwide referendum.
If three quarters of the House support the motion for amendment
of certain articles of the Constitution, that motion shall be presented to the people in a general referendum.
Source:
Constitution, art. 101 (a), 158: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/category,LEGAL,,,YEM,3fc4c1e94,0.html (2012)
|
2012/08/22
|
|
Zambia
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Electoral Law: Referendum Act (Chapter 14).
http://www.parliament.gov.zm/sites/default/files/documents/acts/Referendum%20Act.pdf (2016)
|
2016/06/28
|
|
Zanzibar
|
b. No
|
Source:
Referendum Act No. 6 of 2010
Referendum Act No. 6 of 2010
http://www.zec.go.tz/en/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Referendum-Act-No6-2010.pdf (2016)
|
2016/04/05
|
|
Zimbabwe
|
c. No information available
|
|
2018/10/31
|
