|
total countries/territories: 106
|
|---|
| Country/Territory |
Answers |
Comments |
Verified |
|
Albania
|
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Source:
Artt. 81, 150 et seq Albanian Constitution, Art. 118 et seq. Electoral Code.
|
2005/03/17
|
|
Algeria
|
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Source:
Articles 168 to 171, Electoral law and Articles 7, and 77, Constitution
|
2005/04/29
|
|
Anguilla
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2006/10/30
|
|
Antigua and Barbuda
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2006/03/17
|
|
Argentina
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2021/12/26
|
|
Austria
|
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Source:
Art. 41, 43 & 60 B-VG, Art. 44, 45 & 46 B-VG, Volksbegehrengesetz 1973, Volksabstimmungsgesetz 1972, Volksbefragungsgesetz 1989.
|
2005/04/26
|
|
Azerbaijan
|
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
The Azerbaijan people can settle every matter connected with their rights and interests by referendum. The below-mentioned matters can only be determined by referendum:
1. The adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the introduction of changes to it.
2. The change of State borders of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
III. A referendum cannot be held concerning the following matters:
1. Taxes and the state budget;
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), Art. 3
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Azerbaijan_2016.pdf?lang=en (2015).
Election Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7885/file/Azerbaijan_Election_am2017_en.pdf (2018).
|
2022/02/07
|
|
Bahamas
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2006/11/15
|
|
Bahrain
|
a. Constitutional
|
The King may conduct a popular referendum on important laws and issues connected with the interests of the State. The issue on which the referendum has been held is considered to have been agreed upon if approved by a majority of those who cast their votes. The result of the referendum shall be binding on all and effective from the date it is declared and it shall be published in the Official Gazette
Source:
Article 43 of Constitution
|
2005/05/01
|
|
Bangladesh
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2006/11/27
|
|
Belarus
|
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Source:
Art 73 et seq. Constitution of Belarus; Electoral Code Of The Republic Of Belarus; See furthermore von Steinsdorff, Das politische System Weißrußlands In: Ismayr: Die politischen Systeme Osteuropas, 2.ed, 2004, pp. 451 et seq.
|
2005/03/25
|
|
Belgium
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2006/11/27
|
|
Benin
|
a. Constitutional
|
Source:
Constitution, Article 58 and 108.
|
2005/06/29
|
|
Botswana
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2006/10/17
|
|
Bulgaria
|
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
National referendums shall be called by the National Assembly based on a proposal by a) 1/4 of the MPs (the total number of MPs is 240), b)the Council of Ministers and c) the President of the Republic. No initiatives and no recalls are provided in the existing legislation as well as mandatory referendums.
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria (adopted July, 1991): Article 10; Article 84, point 5.
Law for Referendums (adopted November 1996, modified 1999), Article 6.
|
2006/11/30
|
|
Burkina Faso
|
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Source:
Constitution, code electoral
|
2005/04/12
|
|
Cambodia
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2006/11/06
|
|
Canada
|
b. Specific laws/legislation
c. Regulations
|
b) Referendum Act; Canada Elections Act as Adapted for the purposes of a Referendum.
|
2006/12/10
|
|
Chile
|
a. Constitutional
|
|
2005/04/05
|
|
Colombia
|
d. Other
|
|
2005/05/26
|
|
Cook Islands
|
e. Not applicable
|
Source:
Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
|
2007/01/08
|
|
Croatia
|
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Source:
Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
|
2005/11/14
|
|
Côte d'Ivoire
|
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Source:
Article 32 de la Constitution
|
2005/04/06
|
|
Denmark
|
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Source:
Electoral Law
|
2015/06/12
|
|
Egypt
|
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Source:
Articles 1 to 3, Political Rights Law
|
2005/05/17
|
|
Eritrea
|
e. Not applicable
|
Source:
Eritrean referendum proclamation no. 22/1992
|
2005/04/06
|
|
Estonia
|
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
c. Regulations
|
Source:
The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia; The Referendum Act; Regulations of the National Election Committee
|
2006/11/29
|
|
Finland
|
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
The administration of organizing a referendum is the same as in general elections.
Source:
The Election Act (714/1998).
|
2005/04/13
|
|
France
|
a. Constitutional
|
Source:
Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89;
|
2012/05/03
|
|
Gambia
|
e. Not applicable
|
The constitution does not mention this
|
2006/11/09
|
|
Georgia
|
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Source:
Constitution of Georgia, art. 52:
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Georgia_2018?lang=en
The Election Code of Georgia, chapter 19:
https://matsne.gov.ge/en/document/view/1557168?publication=90
|
2024/07/24
|
|
Germany
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2021/11/29
|
|
Ghana
|
e. Not applicable
|
Source:
The 1992 constitution
|
2005/12/14
|
|
Greece
|
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Source:
Law 350/1976
|
2012/04/13
|
|
Guam
|
b. Specific laws/legislation
c. Regulations
|
Source:
Gerald A. Taitano, Executive Director, Guam Election Commission
|
2007/01/10
|
|
Iran, Islamic Republic of
|
c. Regulations
|
C:59 "In extremely important economic, political, social, and cultural matters, the functions of the legislature may be exercised through direct recourse to popular vote through a referendum. Any request for such direct recourse to public opinion must be approved by two-thirds of the members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly."
C:123 "The President is obliged to sign legislation approved by the Assembly or the result of a referendum, after the legal procedures have been completed and it has been communicated to him. After signing, he must forward it to the responsible authorities for implementation."
Source:
Constitution of The Islamic Republic of Iran (1989), Art. 59 & 123 https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iran_1989.pdf
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2016/01/23
|
|
Ireland
|
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Source:
The Referendum Act 2001
|
2012/05/10
|
|
Israel
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2015/03/15
|
|
Japan
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2007/01/07
|
|
Jordan
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2016/08/05
|
|
Kazakhstan
|
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Source:
Constitution
Law on Referendum
|
2020/05/04
|
|
Kenya
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2012/03/15
|
|
Kiribati
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2020/05/03
|
|
Lao People's Democratic Republic
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2006/12/30
|
|
Latvia
|
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Source:
Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
|
2005/03/21
|
|
Lebanon
|
e. Not applicable
|
Source:
Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
|
2005/05/17
|
|
Lesotho
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2015/03/15
|
|
Liberia
|
e. Not applicable
|
MR. BOBBY W. LIVINGSTONE- INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE IEC OF LIBERIA
|
2005/09/30
|
|
Liechtenstein
|
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Source:
a. Art. 66.
b. LGBI. 1973 Nr. 50.
|
2005/05/03
|
|
Lithuania
|
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Source:
Constitution, 1992, Section 9; Law on referendum, 2002.
|
2005/03/21
|
|
Luxembourg
|
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Source:
Law of 4 February 2005 regulating referendums on national level;
Constitution, Art. 51(7), 114
|
2012/04/26
|
|
Macedonia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of
|
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Constitution:
Article 73:
The Assembly decides on issuing notice of a referendum concerning specific matters within its sphere of competence by a majority vote of the total number of Representatives. The decision of the majority of voters in a referendum is adopted on condition that more than half of the total number of voters voted. The Assembly is obliged to issue notice of a referendum if one is proposed by at least 150,000 voters. The decision made in a referendum is binding.
Law on Referendum:
Article 4:
Referendum may be announced for passing laws, need of ratification of international agreements and other issues that are competence of the Assembly (previous).
Article 5:
Referendum may be announced for re-estimation of laws and decisions passed by the Assembly by the electors or for giving the opinion of the electors for other issues decided by the Assembly (additional).
Article 6:
For issues of broader significance to the citizens and the Republic a consultative referendum may be announced.
The decision made on the consultative referendum shall not oblige the Assembly.
Article 8:
Referendum may be announced also in the units of the local self-government for issues that have local significance and which are under the authority of the units of the local self-government.
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia (1991, with amendments through 2011), art. 73
https://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/mk/mk014en.pdf
Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 4-6, 8
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
|
2020/04/22
|
|
Madagascar
|
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
The preamble of the electoral code states that it applies to public elections and to referendums as well.
Source:
electoral code preamble
|
2005/08/25
|
|
Malawi
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2006/10/16
|
|
Malaysia
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2007/01/07
|
|
Mali
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2005/06/03
|
|
Moldova, Republic of
|
a. Constitutional
|
b) Ad hoc laws
Source:
Kare Vollan, Director, Quality AS
|
2021/03/30
|
|
Montenegro
|
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Law on Referendum of the Republic of Montenegro, Art. 1: The present Law regulates the calling and administration of a referendum, being the form of a prior pronouncement of citizens, as well as bodies in charge of the administration of a
referendum and protection of citizens’ rights in the administration of a referendum.
Source:
Law: Law on Referendum as of 19 February 2001
https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL(2005)076-e
|
2021/12/25
|
|
Morocco
|
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Source:
Articles 38, 39, and 109, Electoral Law; Article 105, Constitution
|
2005/05/02
|
|
Mozambique
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2006/10/16
|
|
Namibia
|
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Source:
The 1992 Constitution; The 1992 Electoral Act (Act No. 24 of 1992) with amendments
|
2006/11/16
|
|
New Zealand
|
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Source:
Electoral Law: Citizens Initiated Referenda Act 1993: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1993/0101/latest/DLM317193.html
|
2024/07/12
|
|
Niger
|
a. Constitutional
|
Source:
Articles 6, 49, 134, 135, 136, 137 de la constitution
|
2005/06/06
|
|
Nigeria
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2006/12/30
|
|
Norway
|
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
b) Ad hoc laws
Source:
Kare Vollan, Director, Quality AS
|
2007/01/07
|
|
Palau
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2006/12/31
|
|
Palestine
|
e. Not applicable
|
Constitution not valid, only a draft. No provisions for DD in current laws.
Source:
Electoral Commission Palestine
|
2007/06/11
|
|
Peru
|
b. Specific laws/legislation
c. Regulations
|
Source:
La Ley de los Derechos de Participacion y Control Ciudadanos, Nro. 26300 contiene todos los procedimientos administrativos para los mecanismos de democracia directa. Esta norma consta de 47 artículos.Las normas administrativas para cada iniciativa las van dictando para cada proceso tanto la ONPE, el JNE y el RENIEC, que son los organismos electorales.
|
2005/08/24
|
|
Poland
|
e. Not applicable
|
Source:
Act on all-national referendum of 14 March 2003
Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland No 57 of 2 April 2003
|
2006/12/25
|
|
Portugal
|
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Source:
Law no. 15-A/98 of 3 April 1998 as amended by Organic Law no. 4/2005 of 8 September 2005 and Organic Law no. 3/2010 of 15 December 2010, on the legal regime governing referenda.
|
2012/04/20
|
|
Qatar
|
a. Constitutional
|
C:75 "The Emir shall seek public opinion on important issues pertaining to the interests of the State in a referendum. The subject of such referendum shall be deemed acceptable if acknowledged by the majority of voters; and the results of the referendum shall be binding and effective from the date of its announcement. The results shall be published in the official Gazette."
Source:
The 2003 Constitution of Qatar, art. 75
|
2006/12/31
|
|
Romania
|
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Source:
Law on referendums, 2000.
|
2005/03/20
|
|
Russian Federation
|
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Source:
-Act on Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum of 2002. N 67/ F3.
-Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 .
|
2005/03/31
|
|
Rwanda
|
a. Constitutional
|
|
2018/11/02
|
|
Saint Kitts and Nevis
|
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
The right of any person to vote on a referendum under this section shall be exercised in accordance with such procedures as may be prescribed by Parliament for the purposes of the referendum.
Source:
Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis
Parliament of Saint Kitts and Nevis
|
2020/04/20
|
|
Senegal
|
a. Constitutional
|
Source:
Articles 51 et 52 de la constitution
|
2005/06/05
|
|
Seychelles
|
a. Constitutional
|
Source:
Article 116 of the constitution
|
2005/08/30
|
|
Sierra Leone
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2005/06/09
|
|
Singapore
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2007/01/07
|
|
Slovakia
|
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
C:100 "A law will establish the manner in which the referendum will be carried out."
Source:
The Constitution of the Slovak Republic (1992), Art. 93–100; the Act on the way of executing referendum (1992)
|
2006/12/10
|
|
Solomon Islands
|
e. Not applicable
|
Source:
David Clark, Electoral Capacity Development Coordinator, Solomon Islands Election Commission
|
2007/01/09
|
|
Somalia
|
e. Not applicable
|
Source:
www.somalilandforum.com
|
2005/04/13
|
|
South Africa
|
a. Constitutional
|
Source:
The 1996 Constitution of South Africa
|
2006/10/17
|
|
Spain
|
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Source:
Constitution, Art. 151, 168;
Law 2/1980 of 18 January ("Ley Orgánica de Regulación de las distintas modalidades de referendum")
|
2012/04/18
|
|
Sri Lanka
|
d. Other
|
(2) The President may in his discretion submit to the People by Referendum any Bill (not being a Bill for the repeal or amendment of any provision of the Constitution, or for the addition of any provision to the Constitution, or for the repeal and replacement of the Constitution, or which is inconsistent with any provision of the Constitution), which has been rejected by Parliament.
Source:
Constitution, art. 85: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LK/sri-lanka-constitution-as-amended-up-to-9/at_download/file
|
2016/02/15
|
|
Sudan
|
a. Constitutional
|
Source:
Article 66 and 128, Constitution
|
2005/05/02
|
|
Sweden
|
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Source:
The Instrument of the Government Ch. 8, Section 4, 15: Official Website of the Parliament: http://www.riksdagen.se/sv/Start/Bestall/Sprakversioner/English---engelska1/Sveriges-grundlagar-och-riksdagsordningen1/ (2012);
Act on National Referenda (SFS 1979:369): http://www.sweden.gov.se/content/1/c6/06/97/09/436f8d27.pdf (2012)
|
2012/05/16
|
|
Switzerland
|
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Source:
Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 59 - 67b: Official website of the Swiss administration: http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/161_1/index.html (2012);
Constitution, Art. 141, 142
|
2012/05/14
|
|
Thailand
|
e. Not applicable
|
Source:
Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
|
2007/01/12
|
|
Togo
|
a. Constitutional
|
Source:
Constitution 1992 TITRE 13 article 144 .
|
2005/05/13
|
|
Tonga
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2021/09/15
|
|
Trinidad and Tobago
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2015/05/22
|
|
Tunisia
|
a. Constitutional
|
Source:
Articles 2, 47 and 72 of Constitution
|
2005/05/03
|
|
Turkey
|
a. Constitutional
|
Source:
Constitution Art. 79: https://global.tbmm.gov.tr/docs/constitution_en.pdf
|
2016/01/21
|
|
Uganda
|
a. Constitutional
|
Source:
Chapter 6 section 84 of the constitution
|
2025/12/05
|
|
Ukraine
|
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
Art. 2 of the act on referenda orders that the procedure of preparation and conduct of All-Ukrainian and local referenda shall be regulated by the Constitution of Ukraine, by this Law, and other legislative acts of Ukraine.The procedure of preparation and conduct of Republican and local Referenda in the Republic of Crimea, on questions relevant to its authority, shall be regulated by this Law and Republic of Crimea legislation.
Cf. art. 13
Source:
art. 2. 13. of law on referenda
|
2005/03/17
|
|
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
|
b. Specific laws/legislation
c. Regulations
|
Source:
Political Parties elections and referendums Act 2000, Part VII. The Conduct Regulations.
|
2012/05/09
|
|
Uruguay
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2006/04/11
|
|
Vanuatu
|
e. Not applicable
|
Source:
Constitution: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
|
2016/01/27
|
|
Venezuela
|
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
|
2006/04/07
|
|
Viet Nam
|
a. Constitutional
|
The referendum of October 1955 was held during the period the country was divided, and thus only in the then South Vietnam. In North Vietnam, there has never been any referendums.
Source:
1992 Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
(adopted on 9 November 1946, amended in 25 December 2001)
|
2021/03/25
|
|
Western Sahara
|
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
electoral law
Source:
Articles 119, 158, and 159, Constitution
And Articles 37 to 52, Electoral Law
|
2009/08/14
|
|
Yemen
|
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
|
electoral law
Source:
Articles 119, 158, and 159, Constitution
And Articles 37 to 52, Electoral Law
|
2006/11/27
|
|
Zambia
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2006/10/16
|
|
Zimbabwe
|
e. Not applicable
|
|
2018/10/31
|
