|
total countries/territories: 124
|
|---|
| Country/Territory |
Answers |
Comments |
Verified |
|
Afghanistan
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2006/10/27
|
|
Albania
|
k. None
|
Source:
Art. 150 et seq., 177 Constitution
|
2005/03/17
|
|
Algeria
|
k. None
|
Not mentioned
Source:
Article 7, Constitution
|
2005/04/29
|
|
American Samoa
|
a. Constitutional amendments
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
g. Civil service
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
|
Source:
Filivaa M. Mageo, Deputy Director of Elections, Territorial Election Office
|
2007/01/08
|
|
Andorra
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
C:IX: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:
The Constitution of the Principality of Andorra, Article 106
|
2006/10/26
|
|
Angola
|
l. Not applicable
|
Source:
The Constitution of Angola, Article 73 (1)
|
2006/10/26
|
|
Anguilla
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2006/10/30
|
|
Antigua and Barbuda
|
a. Constitutional amendments
j. Other (specify)
|
Supreme Court Order
Source:
Constitution, Chapter IV, Part 2, Section 47, subsection 5.
|
2006/03/17
|
|
Argentina
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2021/12/26
|
|
Austria
|
a. Constitutional amendments
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignity, national self-determination
|
The only compulsory prerequisite of a referendum is a complete amendment (Gesamtänderung) of the Federal Constitution that has been passed by the Federal Parliament. A complete amendment is on hand when certain articles or basic principles (partly merely defined by the judiciary or legal doctrine) of the constitution are affected.
|
2005/04/26
|
|
Azerbaijan
|
a. Constitutional amendments
j. Other (specify)
|
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: Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan with amendments through 2016, Art. 3
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Azerbaijan_2016.pdf?lang=en
|
2022/02/07
|
|
Bahamas
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
Source:
The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB) Art. 54 (2.ii and 3.ii) and 63 (3), and Constitutional Referendum Act (CRA) Art. 2
|
2006/11/15
|
|
Bahrain
|
k. None
|
not specified
Source:
Article 43, Constitution
|
2005/05/01
|
|
Bangladesh
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
C:142 "Power to amend any provision of the Constitution [(1)] Notwithstanding anything contained in this Constitution - (a) any provision thereof may by [amended by way of addition, alteration, substitution or repeal] by Act of Parliament: Provided that- (i) no Bill for such amendment 91* * shall be allowed to proceed unless the long title thereof expressly states that it will amend a provision of the Constitution; (ii) no such Bill shall be presented to the President for assent unless it is passed by the votes of not less than two-thirds of the total number of members of Parliament; (b) when a Bill passed as aforesaid is presented to the President for his assent he shall, within the period of seven days after the Bill is presented to him assent to the Bill, and if he fails so to do he shall be deemed to have assented to it on the expiration of that period. (1A) Notwithstanding anything contained in clause (1), when a Bill, passed as a aforesaid,, which provides for the amendment of the Preamble or any provisions of articles 8, 48, 56 or this article, is presented to the President for assent, the President, shall within the period of seven days, after the Bill is presented to him, cause to be referred to a referendum the question whether the Bill should or should not be assented to. (1B) A referendum under this article shall be conducted by the Election Commission, within such period and in such manner as may be provided by law, amongst the person enrolled on the electoral roll prepared for the purpose of election to [Parliament]. (1C) On the day on which the result of the referendum conducted in relation to a Bill under this article is declared, the President shal be deemed to have- (a) assented to the Bill, if the majority of the total votes cast are in favour of the Bill being assented to; or (b) Withheld assent therefrom, if the majority of the total votes cast are not in favour of the Bill being assented to.] 1D) Nothing in clause (1C) shall be deemed to be an expression of confidence or no-confidence in the Cabinet or Parliament] (2) Nothing in article 26 shall apply to any amendment made under this article.]"
Source:
The Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, article 142
|
2006/11/27
|
|
Belarus
|
k. None
|
Source:
73 et seq Constitution
|
2005/03/25
|
|
Belgium
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2012/05/04
|
|
Benin
|
a. Constitutional amendments
j. Other (specify)
|
Source:
Mr Theodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit a l'universite au benin.
Constitution, Articles 108 and 155.
|
2008/02/26
|
|
Bosnia and Herzegovina
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2006/11/04
|
|
Botswana
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
Source:
The Constitution of Botswana, Section 89 (4); The Referendum Act of the Laws of Botswana, Chapter 02:10 section 3
|
2006/10/17
|
|
Bulgaria
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2006/11/03
|
|
Burkina Faso
|
j. Other (specify)
|
Source:
Assemblee Nationale
|
2005/04/12
|
|
Cambodia
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2006/11/06
|
|
Canada
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2006/11/27
|
|
Cape Verde
|
k. None
|
|
2006/11/27
|
|
Central African Republic
|
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignity, national self-determination
|
C:67 "The Republic may, after referendum, conclude with any African state accords of association or of fusion including partial or total abandonment of sovereignty in view of realising African unity."
Source:
The 1994 Constitution of the Central African Republic, article 67
|
2006/11/28
|
|
Chile
|
k. None
|
|
2005/04/05
|
|
Colombia
|
j. Other (specify)
|
|
2005/06/23
|
|
Comoros
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
Source:
The 2002 Constitution of the Union of the Comoros, article 37
|
2006/11/28
|
|
Congo (Brazzaville)
|
a. Constitutional amendments
d. National sovereignity, national self-determination
f. Devolution
|
C:172 "[...] (3) No cession, exchange, or addition of territory shall be valid without the consent of the Congolese people called to pronounce by way of referendum."
C:178 "[...] (3) The bill or proposition of amendment of the Constitution shall be passed by the two Houses convened in Congress by a two thirds majority. The amendment shall be definitive after having been approved by referendum."
C:181 "(1) The present Constitution which abrogates any of the provisions previously contrary, shall be submitted to the approval of the people by way of referendum, published in the Official Journal as the supreme law of the Republic."
Source:
The 1992 Constitution of the Congo, articles 172, 178 and 181
|
2006/11/28
|
|
Congo (Kinshasa), Democratic Republic of the
|
a. Constitutional amendments
d. National sovereignity, national self-determination
f. Devolution
|
Source:
The 2006 Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Congo, articles 214 and 218
|
2006/11/28
|
|
Costa Rica
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2007/10/08
|
|
Croatia
|
d. National sovereignity, national self-determination
|
Source:
Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
|
2005/11/14
|
|
Cuba
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
Source:
C: 137
EL: 162
|
2007/11/07
|
|
Cyprus
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2012/04/26
|
|
Czech Republic
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2006/11/27
|
|
Côte d'Ivoire
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
Source:
Article 126 de la Constitution
|
2005/04/06
|
|
Denmark
|
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
j. Other (specify)
|
b) Mandatory if not passed by a 5/6 majority in Parliament.
j) Changes of the voting age.
Source:
The Danish Constitution, art. 20, 29, 88
|
2015/06/12
|
|
Djibouti
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
Source:
The 1992 Constitution of Djibouti, art. 63
|
2006/11/29
|
|
Ecuador
|
a. Constitutional amendments
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
|
Source:
Constitución Política: Arts., 103 al 112
Ley Orgánica de Elecciones: Arts., 115 al 131
|
2005/04/26
|
|
El Salvador
|
j. Other (specify)
|
Only considered for the project of the partial or full reconstruction of a Centroamerican Republic.
Source:
C: 73 and 89.
|
2007/09/26
|
|
Eritrea
|
d. National sovereignity, national self-determination
|
Source:
Eritrean referendum proclamation no. 22/1992
|
2005/04/06
|
|
Estonia
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
a) Chapter I "General Provisions" and Chapter XV "Amendment of the Constitution" of the Constitution may be amended only by a referendum. So if one of the above-listed issues arises it would have to be determined first whether it requires a change in Chapter I or XV of the constitution.
Source:
The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, art. 162
|
2006/11/29
|
|
Ethiopia
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
Source:
article 54(2),53(7) 61(3) Ethiopia constitution.
|
2005/08/18
|
|
Finland
|
k. None
|
|
2005/04/13
|
|
France
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2012/05/03
|
|
Gambia
|
a. Constitutional amendments
d. National sovereignity, national self-determination
j. Other (specify)
|
A. Constitutional Amendments-
held one in 2002
D. National Sovereignty-
1962: held one to decide on self rule but it lost.
KAWFU CEESAY-FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE IEC OF THE GAMBIA1970: Held another to decide on self rule and it won
J. Change of name of The Gambia
A referendum must be mandatory to be able to amend an entrenched clause
|
2006/11/09
|
|
Germany
|
a. Constitutional amendments
f. Devolution
|
Revisions of the existing division into Länder shall be effected by a federal law, which must be confirmed by referendum.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 29 (2)
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_gg/englisch_gg.html
|
2021/11/29
|
|
Ghana
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
Source:
Chapter 25 of the 1992 Constitution
|
2005/12/15
|
|
Greece
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2012/04/13
|
|
Guam
|
l. Not applicable
|
Source:
Gerald A. Taitano, Executive Director, Guam Election Commission
|
2007/01/08
|
|
Iceland
|
j. Other (specify)
|
j) Changes of the status of the church.
C:79 "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
|
2006/12/01
|
|
Iran, Islamic Republic of
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
Revision of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, whenever needed by the circumstances, will be done in the following manner: ... 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.
Source:
Constitution of The Islamic Republic of Iran (1989), Art. 177 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
|
|
Iraq
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
Source:
Jose Maria Aranaz, Legal Advisor, UN-EAD
|
2007/01/03
|
|
Ireland
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
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
|
2012/05/10
|
|
Israel
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2015/03/15
|
|
Italy
|
l. Not applicable
|
There a no mandatory referendums at national level.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 71, 75, 87, 123 and 138
|
2012/04/17
|
|
Japan
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
C:ChIX: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:
Consitution of Japan, art. 96
|
2006/12/25
|
|
Jordan
|
k. None
|
They are not discussed on the national level, only in the government
Source:
Constitution
|
2005/05/01
|
|
Kazakhstan
|
k. None
|
There are no provisions for mandatory referendums in the legislation.
Source:
Constitution
|
2020/05/04
|
|
Kenya
|
l. Not applicable
|
l) An act on holding a referendum on constitutional change was introduced in 2004 and has now expired. There is currently no provisions for direct democracy.
|
2006/11/30
|
|
Kiribati
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
Source:
Constitution
|
2020/05/03
|
|
Korea, Republic of
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
C:130 "(2) The proposed amendments to the Constitution are submitted to a national referendum not later than thirty days after passage by the National Assembly, and are confirmed by more than one half of all votes cast by more than one half of voters eligible to vote in elections for members of the National Assembly."
Source:
The Constitution of the Republic of Korea, art. 130
|
2006/12/25
|
|
Latvia
|
a. Constitutional amendments
i. Other public policy issues
|
The President of Latvia has proposed the dissolution of the Saeima; the President of Latvia has suspended the promulgation of a law for two months, and during this period a petition by not less than one-tenth of the electorate has been received to put the suspended law to a national referendum; 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; membership of Latvia in the European Union must be decided; 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:
Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 1.
|
2005/03/21
|
|
Lesotho
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
Amending the entrenched clauses of the constitution may require a referendum.
Source:
Chapter VII of the 1993 Constitution
|
2015/03/15
|
|
Liberia
|
a. Constitutional amendments
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignity, national self-determination
|
the appication of referenda are more mandatory for the specific constitutional ammendment
|
2005/09/30
|
|
Liechtenstein
|
k. None
|
|
2005/05/03
|
|
Lithuania
|
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
|
Law in referendum, Lithuania, Article 4. paragraph (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
organisations, should this participation be linked with the partial transfer of the scope of competence of Government bodies to the institutions of international organisations or the jurisdiction thereof.
Source:
Law: Republic of Lithuania Law on Referendum, last amended on 6 May 2014 — No XII-860, art. 4.
|
2007/01/15
|
|
Macedonia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of
|
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
j. Other (specify)
|
Constitution, Article 120: A proposal for association in a union or community with other states or for dissociation from a union or community with other states may be submitted by the President of the Republic, the Government or by at least 40 Representatives. The proposal for association in or dissociation from a union or community with other states is accepted by the Assembly by a two-thirds majority vote of the total number of Representatives. 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 3: Referendum shall be mandatory announced for adopting a decision of the Assembly for changing the border of the Republic and the decision for joining or abandoning an alliance or unity with other states.
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, Art. 120:
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. 3
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
|
2020/04/22
|
|
Madagascar
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
Source:
Electoral code Article 29
|
2005/08/25
|
|
Malawi
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
Source:
Regulation of 1993: Extraordinary Gazette No. 4A
|
2006/10/16
|
|
Malaysia
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2007/01/07
|
|
Maldives
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2006/12/30
|
|
Mali
|
a. Constitutional amendments
d. National sovereignity, national self-determination
|
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. 120
|
2006/12/30
|
|
Mauritania
|
a. Constitutional amendments
f. Devolution
j. Other (specify)
|
j) Cession, exchange, and annexation of territory. C:V:Art78 "1) Peace treaties, union treaties, commerce treaties, treaties or accords concerning an international organization, treaties which require the finances of the State, treaties which modify provisions of a legislative nature, treaties concerning the status of persons, and treaties concerning the borders of the State may only he ratified by a law. (2) They may take effect only after being ratified or approved. No cession, no exchange, and no annexation of territory is valid without the consent of the people who shall decide through referendum. (3) In the case set forth in the last paragraph of Article 2, the required majority is four-fifths of the votes cast."
C:XI:Art100 "The revision of the Constitution is complete when approved by a simple majority of the votes cast in a referendum."
Source:
The 1991 Constitution of Mauritania, art. 85 and 100
|
2006/12/30
|
|
Mauritius
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
Source:
The Constitution of the Republic of Mauritius, art. 47(3)
C:47 "(3) A Bill for an Act of Parliament to alter the provisions of section 1 or 57(2) shall not be passed by the Assembly unless – (a) the proposed Bill has before its introduction in the Assembly been submitted, by referendum, to the electorate of Mauritius and has been approved by the votes of not less than three quarters of the electorate;"
|
2007/06/01
|
|
Micronesia, Federated States of
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
Source:
Johnathan John, Director, FSM Elections
|
2007/01/08
|
|
Moldova, Republic of
|
l. Not applicable
|
Source:
Kare Vollan, Director, Quality AS
|
2021/03/30
|
|
Montenegro
|
d. National sovereignity, national self-determination
j. Other (specify)
|
Art. 3: 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
https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL(2005)076-e
|
2021/12/25
|
|
Mozambique
|
a. Constitutional amendments
j. Other (specify)
|
j) "President [...] decide on the holding of referenda on amendments to the constitution or on matters of fundamental interest for the nation."
Source:
The 1990 Constitution of Mozambique, Chapter II
|
2006/10/16
|
|
Namibia
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2006/11/16
|
|
Netherlands
|
k. None
|
|
2005/08/19
|
|
Niger
|
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignity, national self-determination
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
f. Devolution
|
Source:
Articles 6, 49, 135, 136, 137 de la constitution
|
2005/06/06
|
|
Nigeria
|
d. National sovereignity, national self-determination
f. Devolution
j. Other (specify)
|
j) Creating a new state or a local government area.
C:8 "(1) An Act of the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new State shall only be passed if - [...] (b) a proposal for the creation of the State is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the area where the demand for creation of the State originated; (c) the result of the referendum is then approved by a simple majority of all the States of the Federation supported by a simple majority of members of the Houses of Assembly; [...] (3) A bill for a Law of a House of Assembly for the purpose of creating a new local government area shall only be passed if - [...] (b) a proposal for the creation of the local government area is thereafter approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the local government area where the demand for the proposed local government area originated; (c) the result of the referendum is then approved by a simple majority of the members in each local government council in a majority of all the local government councils in the State; and (d) the result of the referendum is approved by a resolution passed by two-thirds majority of members of the House of Assembly."
Source:
The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, art. 8
|
2006/12/31
|
|
Norway
|
k. None
|
Source:
Kare Vollan, Director, Quality AS
|
2007/01/07
|
|
Palau
|
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignity, national self-determination
g. Civil service
j. Other (specify)
|
j) Matters concerning compacts and treaties, national security, especially on nuclear, toxic chemical, gas or biological weapons, and importation of firearms.
C:ArtII:Sec3 "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."
C:ArtXIII:Sec6 "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."
C:ArtXIII:Sec12 "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."
Source:
The 1979 Constitution of the Republic of Palau, art. II:3, XIII:6 and XIII:12
|
2006/12/31
|
|
Panama
|
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
|
Only applicable to constitutional amendments and international treaties referred to the Panama Channel.
Source:
Constitution: 313.2, 314 and 325.
Electoral Law: 358-360.
|
2007/10/01
|
|
Paraguay
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
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:
The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Paraguay, art. IV:290
|
2006/12/31
|
|
Peru
|
a. Constitutional amendments
j. Other (specify)
|
Source:
art. 37 y 39 de la Ley de los Derechos de Participacion y Control Ciudadanos
|
2005/08/24
|
|
Philippines
|
a. Constitutional amendments
d. National sovereignity, national self-determination
|
Source:
Art. XVII, Sec. 2,4, Constitution
|
2005/07/08
|
|
Poland
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
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
|
k. None
|
|
2012/04/20
|
|
Puerto Rico
|
a. Constitutional amendments
i. Other public policy issues
|
The referendum is mandatory in case of making up municipalities.
Source:
Constitution: Article IV section 1 and Article VII section 1.
|
2009/07/05
|
|
Romania
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
Source:
Constitution, 2003, Section 150-152.
|
2005/03/20
|
|
Russian Federation
|
b. Adoption of international treaties
j. Other (specify)
|
International treaties of the Russian Referendum declare the need of referendum, in most cases it is affirmation of the specific treaty.
Source:
Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 . Art. 6. (2, (11).
|
2005/03/19
|
|
Rwanda
|
j. Other (specify)
|
j) Creation of a federation with other states.
C:44 "The President of the Republic: "6) shall negotiate, conclude, and ratify all international treaties, conventions, and agreements, whether of public or private law, and send them to the National Assembly as soon as allowed by the State's interest and security. However, [...] - treaties, conventions, and agreements involving financial implications not anticipated in the budget, shall be enforceable only following approval by law. The federation of the Republic of Rwanda with one or several other democratic States must be approved by means of a referendum;"
Source:
The 2003 Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda, art. 44
|
2018/11/02
|
|
Saint Kitts and Nevis
|
l. Not applicable
|
Referendums are optional.
|
2020/04/20
|
|
Senegal
|
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
d. National sovereignity, national self-determination
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
|
Source:
Articles 50 et 103 de la constitution
|
2005/06/06
|
|
Seychelles
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
Source:
Article 91(1)(a) of the constitution
|
2005/03/23
|
|
Sierra Leone
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
ONLY ENTRENCHED PROVISIONS IN THE CONSTITUTION (E.G. ISSUE OF PARAMOUNT CHIEFTAINCY NEEDS A REFERENDUM)
Source:
1991 CONSTITUTION OF SIERRA LEONE
|
2005/06/09
|
|
Singapore
|
a. Constitutional amendments
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
|
Source:
Constitution,article 59 (2)
|
2007/01/07
|
|
Slovakia
|
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
|
b) Partly. Art. 93 of the Constitution: (1) A referendum will be used to confirm a constitutional law on entering into an alliance with other states or on withdrawing from that alliance
Source:
The Constitution of the Slovak Republic (1992), Art. 93
|
2006/12/10
|
|
Solomon Islands
|
l. Not applicable
|
Source:
David Clark, Electoral Capacity Development Coordinator, Solomon Islands Election Commission
|
2007/01/09
|
|
Somalia
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
Source:
The law of the referendum constitution of the republic of Somalia article 1
|
2005/04/13
|
|
South Africa
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2006/10/17
|
|
Sri Lanka
|
a. Constitutional amendments
j. Other (specify)
|
j) When the Supreme Court or the Cabinet of Ministers has determined that a Bill or any provision thereof requires the approval of a referendum.
C:79 "The Speaker shall endorse on every Bill passed by Parliament a certificate in the following form :- “This Bill (here state the short title of the Bill) has been duly passed by Parliament.” Such certificate may also state the majority by which such Bill was passed : [...] Provided further that where by virtue of Article 83, the Bill or any provision thereof requires the approval of the People at a Referendum, such certificate shall further state that the Bill or such provision shall not become law until approved by the People at a Referendum."
C:80 "(1) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this Article, a Bill passed by Parliament shall become law when the certificate of the Speaker is endorsed thereon. (2) Where the Cabinet of Ministers has certified that any Bill or any provision thereof is intended to be submitted for approval by the People at a Referendum or where the Supreme Court has determined that a Bill or any provision thereof requires the approval of the People at a Referendum or where any Bill is submitted to the People by Referendum under paragraph (2) of Article 85, such Bill or such provision shall become law upon being approved by the People at a Referendum in accordance with paragraph (3) of Article 85 only when the President certifies that the Bill or provision thereof has been so approved. The President shall endorse on every Bill so approved a certificate in the following form : - “This Bill/provision has been 21[duly approved by the People at a Referendum.” No such certificate shall be endorsed by the President on a Bill – (a) in any case where no petition is filed challenging the validity of the referendum at which such bill was approved by the People, until after the expiration of the period within which a petition may be filed, under the law applicable in that behalf, challenging the validity of such referendum: (b) in any case where a petition is filed challenging the validity of the Referendum at which such Bill was approved by the People, until after the Supreme Court determines that such Referendum was valid.]"
C:85 "(1) The President shall submit to the People by Referendum every Bill or any provision in any Bill which the Cabinet of Ministers has certified as being intended to be submitted to the People by Referendum, or which the Supreme Court has determined as requiring the approval of the People at a Referendum if the number of votes cast in favour of such Bill amounts to not less than two-thirds of the whole number of Members (including those not present). (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. (3) Any Bill or any provision in any Bill submitted to the People by Referendum shall be deemed to be approved by the People if approved by an absolute majority of the valid votes cast at such Referendum: Provided that when the total number of valid votes cast does not exceed two-thirds of the whole number of electors entered in the register of electors, such Bill shall be deemed to be approved only if approved by not less than one-third of the whole number of such electors."
Source:
Constitution of Sri Lanka, art. 79, 80 and 85: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LK/sri-lanka-constitution-as-amended-up-to-9/at_download/file
|
2016/02/15
|
|
Swaziland
|
a. Constitutional amendments
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
j. Other (specify)
|
j) Monarchy, Protection and Promotion of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, The Executive, The Legislature, The Judicature, Director of Public Prosecutions and the Commission on Human Rights, Land and Minerals section, Traditional Institutions and Miscellaneous.
Source:
The Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland, Chapter XVII, No. 246(2)
|
2006/10/16
|
|
Sweden
|
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
l. Not applicable
|
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)
|
2012/05/16
|
|
Switzerland
|
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignity, national self-determination
f. Devolution
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
j. Other (specify)
|
A mandatory referendum has to be held on the following issues:
- revisions of the Federal Constitution;
- The entry into organizations for collective security or into supranational communities;
- Federal Statutes declared urgent which have no constitutional basis and whose validity exceeds one year
- Popular initiatives for total revision of the Federal Constitution;
- Popular initiatives for partial revision of the Federal Constitution in the form of a general suggestion which were rejected by the Federal Parliament;
- The question whether a total revision of the Constitution should be carried out if both Chambers disagree.
Note that there is no restriction with regard to the topic of a constitutional provision. As long as the provision that is being changed is on the constitutional level, a referendum is mandatory.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 140
|
2012/05/14
|
|
Timor-Leste
|
k. None
|
|
2007/01/05
|
|
Togo
|
k. None
|
Source:
Constitution 1992 titre 13 article 144 alinea 3.
|
2005/04/28
|
|
Tonga
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2021/09/15
|
|
Tunisia
|
a. Constitutional amendments
i. Other public policy issues
|
not specified
Source:
Articles 2, 47 and 72 of Constitution
|
2005/05/03
|
|
Turkey
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
Only Constitutional amnedments can be subject of a referndum.
ARTICLE 175. (As amended on May 17, 1987)
The constitutional amendment shall be proposed in writing by at least one-third of the total number of members of the Turkish Grand National Assembly. Proposals to amend the Constitution shall be debated twice in the Plenary Session. The adoption of a proposal for an amendment shall require a three-fifths majority of the total number of members of the Assembly by secret ballot.
The consideration and adopting of proposals for the amendment of the Constitution shall be subject to the provisions governing the consideration and adoption of legislation, with the exception of the conditions set forth in this article.
The President of the Republic may refer the laws related to the Constitutional amendments for further consideration. If the Assembly adopts the draft law referred by the President by a two-thirds majority, the President may submit the law to referendum.
If a law is adopted by a three-fifths or less than two-thirds majority of the total number of votes of the Assembly and is not referred by the President for further consideration, it shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall be submitted to referendum.
A law on the Constitutional amendment adopted by a two- thirds majority of the total number of members of the Turkish Grand National Assembly directly or if referred back by the President for further consideration, or its articles as considered necessary may be submitted to a referendum by the President. Laws or related articles of the Constitutional amendment not submitted to referendum shall be published in the Official Gazette.
Laws related to Constitutional amendment which are submitted to referendum, shall require the approval of more than half of the valid votes cast.
The Turkish Grand National Assembly, in adopting the laws related to the Constitutional amendment, shall also decide on which provisions shall be submitted to referendum together and which shall be submitted individually.
Source:
Art 175 constitution
|
2015/06/01
|
|
Turkmenistan
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2007/01/06
|
|
Uganda
|
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignity, national self-determination
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
f. Devolution
g. Civil service
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
|
Source:
General and Miscellaneous (255)
|
2005/04/01
|
|
Ukraine
|
a. Constitutional amendments
i. Other public policy issues
|
i: altering the territory.
Art. 156. of the Constitution declares, that a draft law on introducing amendments to Chapter I "General Principles," Chapter III "Elections. Referendum," and Chapter XIII "Introducing Amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine," is submitted to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine by the President of Ukraine, or by no less than two-thirds of the constitutional composition of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, and on the condition that it is adopted by no less than two-thirds of the constitutional composition of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, and is approved by an All-Ukrainian referendum designated by the President of Ukraine. The repeat submission of a draft law on introducing amendments to Chapters I, III and XIII of this Constitution on one and the same issue is possible only to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of the next convocation.
Art. 73. Altering the territory of Ukraine
Source:
art. 156, 73 of constitution
|
2005/03/17
|
|
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2012/05/09
|
|
Uruguay
|
j. Other (specify)
|
El referéndum en Uruguay se utiliza para derogar leyes de carácter nacional, con algunas excepciones que luego se verán. No se emplea ni para proponer normas legales, ni para las otras opciones que se plantean en este cuestionario, y que son de empleo corriente en otros países.
Source:
Artículo 79, inciso 2° de la Constitución y Artículos 21 y 22 de la Ley N° 16.017 de 20 de enero de 1989 en la redacción dada por la Ley N° 17.244 de 30 de junio de 2000.
|
2006/04/11
|
|
Vanuatu
|
a. Constitutional amendments
i. Other public policy issues
j. Other (specify)
|
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: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
|
2016/01/27
|
|
Venezuela
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
Source:
Art. 344, Constitución
|
2006/04/07
|
|
Viet Nam
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2021/03/25
|
|
Zambia
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
|
2006/10/16
|
|
Zimbabwe
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
Source:
The 1980 Constitution of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe Constitution 157 (1). http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ZW/zimbabwe-constitution-of-zimbabwe-2008-1/view
|
2018/10/31
|
