These topic pages provide a quick overview and easy access to all content that can be found on ACE for any give topic of interest - weather encyclopaedia files, electoral materials, comparative data, consolidated replies, case studies, or other.
The President can call for a referendum of the people of Afghanistan. The referendum shall not be contrary to the provisions of this Constitution or require its amendment. Source:
Constitution of Afghanistan, art. 65 & 76: http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf (2015).
Constitution: Art 150: 1. The people, through 50,000 citizens entitled to vote, have the right to a referendum for the abrogation of a law, and to request the President of the Republic to call a referendum on issues of special importance.
2. The Assembly, on the proposal of not less than one- fifth of the deputies or on the proposal of the Council of Ministers, can decide that an issue or a draft law of special importance be submitted to referendum. Source:
The Constitution of the Republic of Albania, art. 81, 150 et seq.
Constitution of Andorra, Art.45:(The Coprínceps) "The Coprínceps, with the countersignature of the Cap de Govern, or when appropriate, of the Síndic General, as politically responsible: [...] b) Call for a referendum in accordance with articles 76 and 106 of the Constitution."
Constitution of Andorra, Art.76: "The Cap de Govern, with the approval of the majority of the Consell General, may request the Coprínceps to call a referendum about political matters."
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. 45, 76 & 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
f) 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.
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)
Citizens have the right of initiative to introduce bills in the Chamber of Deputies. Congress shall consider them within the term of twelve months.
Congress, on the initiative of the Chamber of Deputies, may submit to referendum a bill. Call law can not be vetoed. An affirmative vote by the people of the nation will be automatic. Source:
Constitution: “Constitución de la Nación Argentina — Ley 24430, texto oficial ordenado”, art. 39 & 40: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AR/argentina-constitucion-nacional-reformas-1994/ (2019)
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. 2, 111, 112, 113, 114: http://res.elections.am/images/doc/consist_eng.pdf (2013).
All proposed constitutional amendments must be submitted to a binding referendum. Australia requires a referendum for amendments to the constitution, and instruments of direct democracy are also used in several of the Australian states Source:
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008), p190 (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
In case of a complete amendment of the Constitution, a mandatory referendum has to take place. Ad B.: There are two types of optional referenda: Volksabstimmung: a referendum on a bill passed by the lower chamber of the Austrian parliament (National Council): binding;
or: Volksbefragung (public opinion polls): carried out before a bill passes the National Council: not binding.
Source:
Constitution of Austria, Articles 43-46
http://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/au00000_.html
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan (1995) including amendments, article 2 and 3: https://president.az/en/pages/view/azerbaijan/constitution
"(1) Subject to the provisions of this Article, Parliament may, bay an Act of Constitution: 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."
Constitution: "(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."
Constitutional Referendum Act:"(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 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
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
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 the votes cast. The result of the referendum shall be binding on all and effective from the date it is declared and it shall be published on the Official Gazette. Source:
Constitution, art. 43: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bahrain_2017
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 shall 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)
No mention in the constitution. Source:
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Citizens of the Republic of Belarus shall have the right to participate in settlement of state affairs, both directly and through freely elected representatives.
Article 37. The direct participation of citizens in administration of affairs of the society and the State shall be safeguarded by holding referenda, discussion of draft laws and issues of republican and local significance, and by other means specified by law.
Article 73. Republican and local referenda may be held to resolve the most important issues of the State and society.
Article 74. Republican referenda shall be called by the President of the Republic of Belarus on his own initiative as well as on the proposal of the House of Representatives and the Council of the Republic passed at their separate sittings by a majority of votes of the composition (full composition) of each House established by the Constitution, or on the proposal of no less than 450 thousand citizens eligible to vote, including no less than 30 thousand citizens from each of the regions (oblasts) and the city of Minsk.
The President shall, after the submission in accordance with the law for his consideration of the proposals on holding the referendum of the House of Representatives and the Council of the Republic or of the citizens, call a republican referendum.
The date of referendum shall be set no later than three months from the day of issuing the edict of the President on holding the referendum.
The decisions adopted by the republican referendum shall be signed by the President of the Republic of Belarus.
Article 75. Local referenda shall be called by the corresponding local representative bodies on their initiative or on the proposal of no less than ten percent of the citizens eligible to vote and residing in the corresponding territory.
Article 76. Referenda shall be held by means of universal, free, equal and secret ballot.
Citizens of the Republic of Belarus eligible to vote take part in referenda.
Article 77. The decisions adopted by a referendum may be abolished or changed only by means of another referendum, unless the referendum determines otherwise.
Article 78. The procedure of holding republican and local referenda and a list of issues that may not be put to a referendum shall be determined by the law of the Republic of Belarus.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 37, 73–78: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-constitution-2021-english/
Source:
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/catalogue/direct-democracy-international-idea-handbook);
The Belgian Constitution
Source:
Referendum Law: “Referendum Act, Chapter 10”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-referendum-act-2020/ ;
Recall Law: “Recall of Elected Representatives Act, Chapter 9:01”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-recall-of-elected-representatives-act-2020/
International IDEA Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=23&database_theme=309
There is a legal provision for mandatory referendums on the national level. Bermuda's most recent referendum was conducted to determine whether secession from the English Monarchy was a preferred method of governance. Source:
Independence Referendum Act 1995
Direct Democracy, the International IDEA Handbook
http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/upload/DDH_inlay_low.pdf
The will of the people shall be expressed in a National Referendum. A simple majority of the total number of votes cast and counted shall be required for the referendum to be adopted. Source:
Constitution of Bhutan, Article 34: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bhutan_2008
The level of applicability of these laws might be disputable. The laws were adopted when Bosnia and Herzegovina was a federal unit of Socialistic Federative Republic of Yugoslavia, which means that the scope and aims of referendum were adjusted to that system. However, the existing Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, signed as a part of the Dayton Peace Agreement, prescribes in its Annex 2, point 2 ("Continuation of Laws") that "All laws, regulations, and judicial rules of procedure in effect within the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina when the Constitution enters into force shall remain in effect to the extent not inconsistent with the Constitution, until otherwise determined by a competent governmental body of Bosnia and Herzegovina". Even though these laws were created in the old, socialistic system, it does not contain any obvious and clear inconsistencies with the Constitution and therefore - they should be valid.
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:
Law on referendum in SR Bosnia and Herzegovina, Off. Gazette 29/77 and 24/91; Law on Proceedings with Petitions and Proposals Off. Gazette 33/77, 12/87 and 27/90; Rules of Procedures of House of Representatives in the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
A referendum is required in order to pass certain amendments to the Constitution. 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).
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), 27 (4), 49 (XV), 61 (2): 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
The Referendum Act (1992) governs the use of referenda placed to citizens. Referenda may be called by the Governor in Council:
Where the Governor in Council considers that it is in the public interest to obtain by means of a referendum the opinion of electors on any question relating to the Constitution of Canada, the Governor in Council may, by proclamation, direct that the opinion of electors be obtained by putting the question to the electors of Canada or of one or more provinces specified in the proclamation at a referendum called for that purpose. Source:
International Idea (2008):"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm).
Referendum Act (1992)
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/R-4.7.pdf
The only direct democracy mechanism established by law is called 'plebiscite'.
Art 128: "El Tribunal Calificador comunicará al Presidente de la República el resultado del plebiscito, y especificará el texto del proyecto aprobado por la ciudadanía, el que deberá ser promulgado como reforma constitucional dentro de los cinco días siguientes a dicha comunicación. Una vez promulgado el proyecto y desde la fecha de su vigencia, sus disposiciones formarán parte de la Constitución y se tendrán por incorporadas a ésta." - The Qualifying Tribunal shall communicate to the President of the Republic the result of the plebiscite and shall specify the text of the bill approved by the citizens, which shall be promulgated as a constitutional reform within five days following such communication. Once the bill has been promulgated and from the date of its entry into force, its provisions shall form part of the Constitution and shall be deemed to be incorporated into it. 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/
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
Constitution foresees the plebiscite, the referendum, the popular consultation, the open town council meeting, the legislative initiative, and the recall of officials.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 40 (2), 103, 104, 155, 170, 307, 374-378:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-constitucion-politica-de-colombia-2016 (2016)
Law 134 of 1994 on political participation: “Ley 134-1994 de participación ciudadana”:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/leyes-electorales/colombia-ley-134-de-1994-participacion-ciudadana/ (1994)
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 102, 105, 123, 129, 168 & 195: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/; Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 12: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/; Referendum Law: "Ley de regulación del referéndum": http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-decreto-8492-regulacion-referendum.pdf/; Citizens' Initiative Law: "Ley de iniciativa popular": http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8491-de-iniciativa-popular.pdf/view
Article 1: (2) Power in the Republic of Croatia derives from the people and belongs to the people as a community of free and equal citizens.
(3) The people shall exercise this power through the election of representatives and through direct decision-making.
Article 2: (4) The Croatian Parliament (Sabor) or the people directly shall, independently and in accordance with the Constitution and law, decide:
-on the regulation of economic, legal and political relations in the Republic of Croatia
-on the preservation of natural and cultural wealth and its utilization
-on association into alliances with other states.
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.
(4) At such a referendum, the decision shall be made by the majority of the voters who have voted, provided that the majority of the total number of electors have taken part in the referendum.
Article 133: (3) Citizens may directly participate in administering local affairs, through meetings, referenda and other forms of direct decision-making, in conformity with law and statute. Source:
Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Croatia as revised on 06 July 2010, art. 1, 2, 87 & 133.
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Croatia_2013?lang=en
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución de la República de Cuba (2019)”, art. 80, 101, 116, 164, 227: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CU/cuba-constitucion-2019-ace/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley No. 127, Ley Electoral”, art. 256–265: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CU/cuba-ley-electoral-127-2019-ace/ ;
Recall Law: “Ley No. 135, de Revocación de los elegidos a los órganos del Poder Popular”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CU/cuba-ley-135-revocacion-mandato-2020-ace/
The Constitution does not provide for any matters that have to be decided by a referendum and does not regulate the matter as such. However, the Law 206/1989 provides that referendums may be held on important matters of public interest, upon a decision of the House of Representatives based on a proposal submitted by the Council of Ministers. Source:
Law on Referendum 1989, Greek Version (Law 206/1989):
http://www.cylaw.org/nomoi/enop/non-ind/1989_1_206/full.html (2016);
Law on the Practical Arrangements for the Conduct of the Referendum of the Greek Cypriot Community of 24th April 2004 (Law 74(I)/2004
Nicoletta Charalambidou, Access to Electoral Rights. Cyprus, European University Institute, Italy, 2013:
http://eudo-citizenship.eu/admin/?p=file&appl=countryProfiles&f=1325-Cyprus-FRACIT%20.pdf (2016).
Art. 2: (2) A Constitutional Act may define when the people exercise state power directly. Source:
Constitution: Constitution of the Czech Republic of December 16, 1992 (Amended by Act No. 515/2002 Coll.), art. 2(2).
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en (2017)
In addition to the referendums specified in the constitution, it is possible to call voluntary and non binding referendums. Source:
The Danish Constitution, Art. 20, 29, 42, 88
Parliamentary Elections Act, Part 12.
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Article 33
The President of the Republic can, after consultation of the President of the National Assembly and of the President of the Constitutional Council, submit any Bill of law to referendum.
Article 91
The initiative of revision of the Constitution belongs concurrently to the President of the Republic and to the Deputies.
For it to be discussed, any parliamentary proposal for revision must be signed by one-third at least of the members of the National Assembly.
The Bill or proposal of revision must be voted with the majority of members of the National Assembly, and only becomes definitive after having been approved by referendum with the simple majority of the suffrage expressed.
Nevertheless, the referendum procedure may be avoided on the decision of the President of the Republic; in this case, the Bill or proposal of revision is only approved if it is adopted with the majority of two-thirds of the members composing the National Assembly. Source:
Constitution, as amended by Constitutional Law n° 134/AN/06/5 L of 21 Avril 2010, art. 33, 91: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Djibouti_2010.pdf?lang=en (2016)
The Organic Law on Citizen Participation foresees direct democracy procedures, such citizen’s initiative, referendum and recalls. Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República del Ecuador”, art. 106, 420, 441, 442: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ; Direct Democracy Law: “Ley Orgánica de Participación Ciudadana”, art. 5: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-ley-participacion-ciudadana-2011/
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/
The President of the Republic may submit to referendum any proposal for constitutional amendment. Source:
Constitution as amended by referendum of 23 November 2011, art. 133 (4)
§ 56: The supreme power of state shall be exercised by the people through citizens with the right to vote: 2) through a referendum. Source:
Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia with latest amendment on 6 May 2015 § 56, 65:(2), 105 & 162-168.
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
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. 3, 160: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/FJ/fiji-constitution-2013/at_download/file (2014).
Section 2
The powers of the State in Finland are vested in the people, who are represented by the Parliament.
Section 53: The decision to organise a consultative referendum is made by an Act, which shall contain provisions on the time of the referendum and on the choices to be presented to the voters.
Provisions concerning the conduct of a referendum are laid down by an Act.
At least fifty thousand Finnish citizens entitled to vote have the right to submit an initiative for the enactment of an Act to the Parliament, as provided by an Act. (1112/2011, entry into force 1.3.2012) Source:
Constitution, Section 2, Section 14, section 53: http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/kaannokset/1999/en19990731.pdf (2012);
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
C:3 "National sovereignty shall belong to the people, who shall exercise it through their representatives and by means of referendum." C:11 "The President of the Republic may, on a proposal from the Government when Parliament is in session or on a joint motion of the two assemblies, published in either case in the Journal officiel, submit to a referendum any government bill which deals with the organization of the public authorities, or with reforms relating to the economic or social policy of the Nation and to the public services contributing thereto, or which provides for authorization to ratify a treaty that, although not contrary to the Constitution, would affect the functioning of the institutions. Where the referendum is held in response to a proposal by the Government, the latter shall make a statement before each assembly which shall be followed by a debate. Where the referendum decides in favour of the government bill, the President of the Republic shall promulgate it within fifteen days following the proclamation of the results of the vote." C:60 "The Constitutional Council shall ensure the proper conduct of referendum proceedings as provided for in articles 11 and 89 and in Title XV and shall declare the results of the referendum." C:72-1 "The conditions in which voters in each territorial unit may use their right of petition to ask for a matter within the powers of the unit to be entered on the agenda of its decision-making assembly shall be determined by statute. In the conditions determined by institutional Act, draft decisions or acts within the powers of a territorial unit may, on its initiative, be presented for a decision to be taken by the voters in that unit by referendum." C:72-4 "There may be no change for all or part of one of the units to which the second paragraph of article 72-3 applies, from one to another of the statuses provided for by articles 73 and 74, without the prior consent of voters in the relevant unit or part of a unit being sought in the manner provided for by the paragraph below. Such change of status shall be made by institutional Act. The President of the Republic may, on a proposal from the Government when Parliament is in session or on a joint motion of the two assemblies, published in either case in the Journal officiel, decide to consult voters in an overseas territorial unit on a question relating to its organisation, its powers or its legislative system. Where the referendum concerns a change as provided for by the foregoing paragraph and is held in response to a proposal by the Government, the Government shall make a statement before each assembly which shall be followed by a debate." C:88-5 "Any legislative proposal authorising the ratification of a Treaty pertaining to the accession of a State to the European Union and to the European Communities shall be submitted to referendum by the President of the Republic." C:88-7 "Any legislative proposal authorising the ratification of a Treaty pertaining to the accession of a State to the European Union shall be submitted to referendum by the President of the Republic." C:89 "The President of the Republic, on a proposal by the Prime Minister, and Members of Parliament alike shall have the right to initiate amendment of the Constitution. A government or a Member's bill to amend the Constitution shall be passed by the two assemblies in identical terms. The amendment shall have effect after approval by referendum. However, a government bill to amend the Constitution shall not be submitted to referendum where the President of the Republic decides to submit it to Parliament convened in Congress; the government bill to amend the Constitution shall then be approved only if it is adopted by a three-fifths majority of the votes cast. The Bureau of the Congress shall be that of the National Assembly. No amendment procedure shall be commenced or continued where the integrity of the territory is jeopardized. The republican form of government shall not be the object of an amendment." Source:
The 1958 Constitution of France, art. 3, 11, 60, 72-1, 88-5, 88-7 and 89
People are the source of state authority. People exercise power through their representatives, as well as through referendums and other forms of direct democracy. Source:
Constitution of Georgia, Art. 3:
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Georgia_2018?lang=en
Revisions of the existing division into Länder shall be effected by a federal law, which must be confirmed by referendum. The affected Länder shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard. Source:
Constitution, Art. 29(2)
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/German_Federal_Republic_2014?lang=en
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (1996), art. 5, 249:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GH/ghana-constitution-1992-with-amendments-through/
"22A.(1) Where the counting of votes (including any recount) has been completed and an equality of votes is found to exist between any candidates and the addition of a vote would entitle any of those candidates to be declared elected, a new poll shall be conducted as between those candidates on the day 21 days after the date of that election." Source:
Parliament Act Number 1950-15, Part II, Article 22A(1).
https://www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/articles/1950-15o.pdf
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
The voters of Guam shall have the right of initiative, referendum, and recall to be exercised under conditions and procedures specified in the laws of Guam. Source:
3 Guam Code 1121:
http://www.guamcourts.org/CompilerofLaws/GCA/03gca/3gc001.PDF
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/
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/
(4) The people shall exercise its power through its elected representatives or, in exceptional cases, in a direct manner.
Source:
Constitution: The Fundamental Law of Hungary, Foundation, art. B(4), & 8: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=140968.322953.
"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
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
There is no direct democracy mechanism in the Indonesian legal framework. The legislation that contained stipulations on referendum as one of tools of direct democracy was revoked by law number 6/1999. Source:
Constitution: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/ID/indonesia-constitution/view
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."
C:177 "(1) 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, articles 59, 123 and 177: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iran_1989.pdf
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008): https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook_0.pdf
C:27:5 "1° In every case in which the President decides that a Bill the subject of a petition under this Article contains a proposal of such national importance that the will of the people thereon ought to be ascertained, he shall inform the Taoiseach and the Chairman of each House of the Oireachtas accordingly in writing under his hand and Seal and shall decline to sign and promulgate such Bill as a law unless and until the proposal shall have been approved either i by the people at a Referendum in accordance with the provisions of section 2 of Article 47 of this Constitution within a period of eighteen months from the date of the President’s decision,"
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."
C:47 "1. Every proposal for an amendment of this Constitution which is submitted by Referendum to the decision of the people shall, for the purpose of Article 46 of this Constitution, be held to have been approved by the people, if, upon having been so submitted, a majority of the votes cast at such Referendum shall have been cast in favour of its enactment into law. 2. 1° Every proposal, other than a proposal to amend the Constitution, which is submitted by Referendum to the decision of the people shall be held to have been vetoed by the people if a majority of the votes cast at such Referendum shall have been cast against its enactment into law and if the votes so cast against its enactment into law shall have amounted to not less than thirty-three and one-third per cent. of the voters on the register. 2° Every proposal, other than a proposal to amend the Constitution, which is submitted by Referendum to the decision of the people shall for the purposes of Article 27 hereof be held to have been approved by the people unless vetoed by them in accordance with the provisions of the foregoing sub-section of this section. 3. Every citizen who has the right to vote at an election for members of Dáil Éireann shall have the right to vote at a Referendum. 4. Subject as aforesaid, the Referendum shall be regulated by law." Source:
Articles 27, 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
Source:
International IDEA Direct Democracy Handbook:
https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook.pdf
Constitution, ChapterIX, 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
Act on Procedures for Amendment of the Constitution of Japan:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=422CO0000000135#1
The people shall exercise power directly through national referendum and free elections, as well as delegate the execution of their ability to state institutions.
The Parliament can initiate the republican referendum. Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan: amended on June 9th, 2021. Article 3, 54.
https://www.akorda.kz/en/constitution-of-the-republic-of-kazakhstan-50912
Kenya is a Representative Democracy. However, it provides for forms 'Limited Direct Democracy' in: Referendum, Initiative(at least 1million voters) and right of Recall Source:
The Constitution of Kenya Article 104,255 & 257
The Elections Act of 2011 Part iv & Part v
Source:
Constitution of Kiribati, Art 59 and 69: https: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
The President may submit important policies relating to diplomacy, national defense, unification, and other matters relating to the national destiny to a national referendum if he deems it necessary.
The following matters are referred to the State Council for deliberation: [...] 3) Draft amendments to the Constitution, proposals for national referendums, proposed treaties, legislative bills, and proposed presidential decrees.
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 72, 89 (3), 130: https://elaw.klri.re.kr/eng_service/lawView.do?lang=ENG&hseq=1
The people of Kyrgyzstan shall exercise its power directly at elections and referenda, as well as through the system of state authorities and local self-governance bodies on the basis of the present Constitution and laws. Source:
Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic (2021), art. 2, 116, 79 (1):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): https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/d2/KYRG_Const%20Law%20on%20Referendum.pdf
The people are to elect representatives, namely the National Assembly, to ensure that their rights, powers and benefits are addressed.
The election of members of the National Assembly shall be carried out through the principles of universal equal direct suffrage and secret balloting.
Voters have the right to propose the removal of their own representatives if they are found to behave in a way unbefitting their [honourable positions] and to lose the people's confidence. Source:
Constitution, Art. 4 (3), 41: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view
Constitution: Article 64. The Saeima, and also the people, have the right to legislate, in accordance with the procedures, and to the extent, provided for by this Constitution.
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.
Article 2: All citizens of Latvia who are eligible to vote in the Saeima elections may participate in national referendums and in initiating legislation. Source:
Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Latvia as amended on 8 April 2009, art. 48, 50, 64, 68, 72, 74, 77-80: 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. 1-2.
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Source:
The 1986 Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, Art. 30, http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/LR/liberia-amended-electoral-laws-2014/view
National Electoral Commission, Referendum Regulations (May 2016), http://www.necliberia.org/doc_download/8%20Referendum%20Regulations.pdf?a4705305cd27e04fb1f66830e7e0ef9d=Mg%3D%3D
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
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
Constitution
Article 4:
The Nation shall execute its supreme sovereign power either directly or through its democratically elected representatives.
Article 9:
The most significant issues concerning the life of the State and the Nation shall be decided by referendum.
In cases established by law, the Seimas shall call a referendum.
A referendum shall also be called if not less than 300,000 citizens with the electoral right so request.
The procedure for calling and conducting referendums shall be established by law.
Article 68:
(2) The citizens of the Republic of Lithuania shall also have the right of legislative initiative. 50,000 citizens of the Republic of Lithuania who have the electoral right may submit a draft law to the Seimas, and the Seimas must consider it.
Article 69:
(4) The provisions of laws of the Republic of Lithuania may also be adopted by referendum.
Article 148:
(1)The provision “The State of Lithuania shall be an independent democratic republic” of Article 1 of the Constitution may be altered only by referendum if not less than 3/4 of the citizens of Lithuania with the electoral right vote in favour thereof. Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania (25 October 1992, as last amended on 25 April 2006), art. 4, 9, 68(2), 69(4), 148(1)
http://www3.lrs.lt/home/Konstitucija/Constitution.htm
Republic of Lithuania, Law on Referendum (4 June 2002, as last amended on 12 September 2012 – No XI-2216)
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/LT/republic-of-lithuania-law-on-referendum-2002-last/at_download/file
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
Constitution:
Article 2:
Sovereignty in the Republic of Macedonia derives from the citizens and belongs to the citizens.The citizens of the Republic of Macedonia exercise their authority through democratically elected Representatives, through referendum and through other forms of direct expression.
Article 71:
The right to propose adoption of a law is given to every Representative of the Assembly, to the Government of the Republic and to a group of at least 10,000 voters. The initiative for adopting a law may be given to the authorized instances by any citizen, group of citizens, institutions or associations.
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.
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia, art. 2, 71, 73:
https://www.sobranie.mk/the-constitution-of-the-republic-of-macedonia-ns_article-constitution-of-the-republic-of-north-macedonia.nspx
C:26 "The Sovereignty of the nation belongs entirely to the People, who shall exercise it through their representatives or by vote of referendum."
C:41 "The President of the Republic, by proposal of the Cabinet, during the duration of its sessions or by proposal of the National Assembly, after the opinion of the Constitutional Court is published in the Official Journal, may place under referendum any and all questions of national interest, any law related to the organization of public powers, consisting of an approval of an accord of union or an authorization of a treaty which, without being unconstitutional, would have effect on the function of the Institutions. When the referendum has concluded that the proposal is to be adopted, the President of the Republic shall promulgate it in the manner prescribed in Article 40."
C:86 "The Constitutional Court must decide on - [...] the regularity of presidential and legislative elections and the operations for referendums of which it shall declare the results."
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. 26, 41, 86, 118 and 120
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
A referendum is required for every proposed amendment to the Constitution, whether initiated through a Constitutional Convention or by action of the Nitijela. Furthermore, a petition signed by 25% of all eligible voters may request the holding of a referendum to call for a Constitutional Convention. Source:
Constitution, art. XII (3-4). https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Marshall_Islands_1995
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
Source:
Constitution: "Constitución Política de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos", art. 35 (VII, VIII & IX): 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/ ;
Recall Law: “Ley Federal de Revocación de Mandato”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/MX/mexico-lfrm-2022/
Constitution, Art. 1, Sec. 3.: Territory may be added to the Federated States of Micronesia upon approval of Congress, and by vote of the inhabitants of the area, if any, and by vote of the people of the Federated States of Micronesia.
Constitution, Art. 14:
Sect. 1. An amendment to this Constitution may be proposed by a constitutional convention, popular initiative, or Congress in a manner provided by law.
Sect. 2. At least every 10 years, Congress shall submit to the voters the question: "Shall there be a convention to revise or amend the Constitution?". If a majority of ballots cast upon the question is in the affirmative, delegates to the convention shall be chosen no later than the next regular election, unless Congress provides for the selection of delegates earlier at a special election. Source:
Constitution of the Federated States of Micronesia Art. 1, Section 3; Art. 14: http://www.fsmlaw.org/fsm/constitution/constitution.htm
Direct Democracy Database, IDEA, https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=145&database_theme=309
Referendums are always held on an ad hoc basis when a majority of the parliament calls for one. The parliament and local councils may organise advisory referenda on any issue. Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Hold national referendums (plebiscites). Verify the validity of a referendum in which the majority of citizens who are qualified for elections have participated, and to consider the question which obtained a majority vote as decided;
1. The Constitutional Tsets (Court) shall examine and decide disputes regarding a breach of the Constitution, on its own initiative pursuant to the petitions or information from citizens, and/or at the request by the State Great Hural (Parliament), the President, the Prime Minister, the Supreme Court and the Prosecutor General.
1. Any proposed amendments or changes to the Constitution shall be initiated by the competent organs or officials with the right to legislative initiative, and such proposals may be submitted by the Constitutional Tsets (Court) to the State Great Hural (Parliament).
2. A national referendum on the issue of proposed amendments or changes to the Constitution may be conducted with a supporting vote of at least two thirds by the members of the State Great Hural (Parliament). A referendum shall be conducted in accordance with the grounds in Clause 16 of Section 1 of Article Twenty Five of the Constitution. Source:
Constitution, Art. 25 (1.16), 66 & 68: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Mongolia_2001?lang=en (2017);
Referendum Law
Constitution: Article 2: The citizen shall exercise power directly and through the freely elected representatives.
Article 157: Change of Articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 12, 13, 15, 45 and 157 shall be final if minimum three fifths of the total number of voters support the change in the national referendum. Source:
Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Montenegro, SU-SK Ref. no. 01-514/12, 19 October 2007, art. 2 & 157.
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Montenegro_2013?lang=en
Law: Law on Referendum as of 19 February 2001.
C:63 "(1) The National Assembly, as the principal legislative authority in and over Namibia, shall have the power, subject to this Constitution, to make and repeal laws for the peace, order and good government of the country in the best interest of the people of Namibia. (2) The National Assembly shall further have the power and function, subject to this Constitution: [...] g) to initiate, approve or decide to hold a referendum on matters of national concern;"
C:132 "If a Bill proposing... a repeal and/or amenment of any the provisions of this constitution secures a majority of two-thirds of all the members of the National Assembly, but fails to secure a majority of two-thirds of all the members of the National Council, the President may by proclamation make the bill the subject of a national referendum." Source:
Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Namibia, Ch. 19, Art 63 & Art 132, Sec 3 (a).
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
On Tuesday 10 July 2018, the Senate approved the repeal of the Advisory Referendum Act. Therefore, voters can no longer submit any requests to the Electoral Council for an advisory referendum to be held. Source:
House of Representatives of the Netherlands - Rules of Procedure (2012), Section 20: https://www.houseofrepresentatives.nl/sites/default/files/content/rules_of_procedure_1.pdf
The sovereign power, exercised by means of referenda or plebiscites, can also be exercised through participative budgets, citizens’ initiatives, territorial Councils, communal assemblies of the native and afro-descendant people, and sectoral Councils. Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 2, 140 (5):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/constitucion/constitucion-politica-de-nicaragua-con-reformas-a/ (2016);
Electoral Law No. 331: “Ley Electoral No. 331 (enmendada por la ley No. 790 del 23/05/2012)”, art. 133 - 138:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Source:
Constitution of 25 November 2010 with its amendments, art. 6 (1), 60, 174: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Niger_2010.pdf (2016);
Ordinance No. 2010-96 of 28 December 2010 establishing the Electoral Code, art. 129 - 133: http://www.electionpassport.com/files/Niger-Electoral-Code-2010.pdf (2016)
The ballot may include questions concerning proposed Commonwealth constitutional amendments or proposed initiative or referendum issues.
Source:
https://cnmilaw.org/pdf/public_laws/12/pl12-18.pdf
Election law 6208 (e)
Referendums are always held on an ad hoc basis when a majority of the parliament calls for one. The parliament and local councils may organise advisory referenda on any issue. Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
The Basic Statute of the State does not establish direct democracy mechanisms like referendums or initiatives; however, it does emphasize the importance of the Shura Council and public participation in governance:
Article 9: States that citizens have the right to participate in public affairs.
Article 58 (bis 36): Allows Majlis Oman to propose draft laws and refer them to the government for review. 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
There are no Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level. Source:
Direct Democracy Database:https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=169&database_theme=309
"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."
"The President or Vice President may be removed from office by a recall. A recall is initiated by a resolution adopted by not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the state legislatures in not less than three-fourths (3/4) of the states. Upon receipt by the presiding officers of the Olbiil Era Kelulau of the required number of certified resolutions, the Olbiil Era Kelulau shall establish a special election board to supervise a nationwide recall referendum to be held not less than thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days, after receipt of the required number of certified resolutions."
"The people may recall a member of the Olbiil Era Kelulau from office. A recall is initiated by a petition which shall name the member sought to be recalled, state the grounds for recall, and be signed by not less than twenty-five percent (25%) of the number of persons who voted in the most recent election for that member of the Olbiil Era Kelulau. A special recall election shall be held not later than sixty (60) calendar days after the filing of the recall petition. A member of the Olbiil Era Kelulau shall be removed from office only with the approval of a majority of the persons voting in the election, and such vacancy shall be filled by a special election to be held in accordance with law. A recall may be sought against an individual member of the Olbiil Era Kelulau no more than once per term. No recall shall be permitted against a member who is serving the first year of his first term in the Olbiil Era Kelulau."
"Citizens may enact or repeal national laws, except appropriations, by initiative. An initiative petition shall contain the text of the proposed law or of the law sought to be repealed and be signed by not less than ten percent (10%) of the registered voters. An initiative petition shall take effect if approved at the next general election by a majority of the persons voting on the initiative. A law enacted by initiative or a repeal of a law by initiative may not be vetoed by the President. A law enacted or repealed by initiative may be subsequently amended, repealed or reenacted only by another initiative pursuant to the provisions of this section."
"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), VIII (10), IX (17), XIII (3, 6 & 12), XIV (1 & 2), XV (11), First Amendment (14).
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 151, 313 (2), 314, 325: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 485–511: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
C:TII:ChX:121 "A legislative referendum, approved by law, can be either binding or nonbinding. A law will regulate this institution."
C:TII:ChX:122 "The following matters cannot be submitted to a referendum: 1. International relations, treaties, conventions, or agreements; 2. Expropriations; 3. National defense; 4. Limitations to real estate property; 5. Tax, monetary, and banking systems; loan agreements; the national General Budget; and 6. National, departmental, and municipal elections."
C:TII:ChX:123 "Voters are hereby given the right to propose draft laws to Congress through popular initiative. A law will establish the procedures as well as the number of voters who must sign such proposals."
C:TIV:290 "[...] (3) If the amendment has been approved by the two chambers of Congress, the full text of it will be submitted to the Superior Electoral Court, which, within a period of 180 days will call a referendum. If the outcome of the referendum is in favor of the amendment, it will be considered that it has been approved and promulgated and considered part of the Constitution."
EL:259 "The authorization for calling the voters for a legislative referendum, in any of its types, consultive or binding, is an exclusive duty of Congress…."
EL:260 “The initiative for the consultation via referendum is exclusive duty of the Executive Power, five Senators or ten representatives. There shall be no referendum during the state of exception or within the 90 days subsequent to its removal. Also, it shall not be called within the previous 90 days and subsequent 90 days to the date of general elections or municipal elections or of another referendum."
EL:261 (The referendum shall be decided by universal vote, free, direct, and secret by simple majority of the votes. The object of the consultation via referendum shall clearly state the question or questions that the voters will be asked to answer with a yes or a no.)
EL:262 "Once the request of a referendum has been accepted, the President of the Congress shall send a copy to the Superior Court of Electoral Justice in order to call the voters."
EL:263 (If the result of the referendum was not favorable to the approval of the issue being consulted, the initiative cannot be repeated until three years have passed. If it is rejected in legislative seat another one cannot be promoted about the same issue until two years have gone by.)
EL:264 (The calling law for a referendum shall be spread through the newspapers which have more circulation in the country; it shall be published three times within the following 10 days after its promulgation. During the previous ten days to the voting, the entire or partial publication shall be forbidden as well as comments of the results of any survey or opinion consultation that are directly or indirectly related to the issue being submitted to referendum.)
EL:265 "The consultation to the voters shall be for affirmative or negative towards the amendment passed by Congress.” 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)
The law on the citizens’ rights to political participation and oversight also recognizes the initiative for constitutional reform, the authorities’ removal and the demands of accountability. The removal of officials is for regional and local authorities, not for national authorities. The citizens’ initiative is included in the referendum modality, where citizens vote upon the regulatory issues that are presented to them. According to the law on the citizens’ rights to political participation and oversight, these mechanisms have to be requested by the voters. Source:
Constitution as amended by Law 29402 of 2011, art. 2 (17), 31, 32, 190, 206:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PE/constitucion/peru-constitucion-politica-2011/ (2016);
Law 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)
The Nation shall exercise such (Supreme) power directly or through their representatives.
A nationwide referendum may be held in respect of matters of particular importance to the State. 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 4 and 125: https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/40/POL_Election%20Code.pdf
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, art. VII (s. 1, 2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-constitucion-1970/ ;
Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”, art. 11.1–11.11: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
The Prince may ask for the citizen's referendum on important issues relating to the Country's interests. The subject of referendum is considered approved if supported by the majority of voters. The result of referendum is binding and effective from the date of its announcement and is published in the Official Gazette.
Source:
Constitution, art. 75: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Qatar_2003
Article 2: (1) The national sovereignty shall reside within the Romanian people, that shall exercise it by means of its representative bodies, resulting from free, periodical and fair elections, as well as by referendum.
Article 90: The President of Romania may, after consultation with Parliament, ask the people to express, by referendum, its will on matters of national interest. Source:
Constitution: Constitution of Romania, amended in 2003, art. 2, 74, 90, 150-152.http://www.cdep.ro/pls/dic/site.page?den=act2_2&par1=7#t7c0s0a151 (2014)
Article 3: 3. The supreme direct expression of the power of the people shall be referenda and free elections.
Article 135: 3. The Constitutional Assembly shall either confirm the invariability of the Constitution of the Russian Federation or draft a new Constitution of the Russian Federation, which shall be adopted by the Constitutional Assembly by two thirds of the total number of its members or submitted to a referendum. In case of a referendum the Constitution of the Russian Federation shall be considered adopted, if over half of the voters who came to the polls supported it and under the condition that over half of the electorate participated in the referendum. Source:
The Constitution of the Russian Federation amended as of June 9, 2001, art. 3(3) & 135(3): http://www.constitution.ru/index.htm
Every person who, at the time when a referendum is held for the purposes of this section, would be
entitled to vote in elections of Representatives held in the island of Saint Christopher shall be entitled to vote on that
referendum in that island; every person who, at that time, would be entitled to vote in elections of Representatives
held in the island of Nevis shall be entitled to vote on that referendum in that island: and no other person shall be
entitled to vote on that referendum in the island of Saint Christopher or, as the case may be, in the island of Nevis. Source:
Article 38, Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis
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)
Constitution, Article 2:
Sovereignty is vested in citizens who exercise it through referendums, people’s initiative and freely elected representatives.
Article 176
Citizens shall have the right to the provincial autonomy and local self-government, which they shall exercise directly or through their freely elected representatives.
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.
Article 108
Upon the request of the majority of all deputies or at least 100,000 voters, the National Assembly shall call the referendum on issues falling within its competence, in accordance with the Constitution and Law.
The subject of the referendum may not include duties deriving from international contracts, laws pertaining to human and minority rights and freedoms, fiscal and other financial laws, the budget and financial statement, introduction of the state of emergency and amnesty, as well as issues pertaining to election competences of the National Assembly.
Article 203:
The National Assembly shall adopt an act on amending the Constitution by a two-third majority of the total number of deputies and may decide to have it endorsed in the republic referendum by the citizens. Source:
Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Serbia, art. 2:1, 108, 176:1, 182, 188, 203.
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/RS/constitution-of-the-republic-of-serbia-2006/view
Electoral Law: The law on Referendum and Civil Initiative.
http://aceproject.org/regions-en/countries-and-territories/RS/links/law-on-referendum-and-civil-initiative
Referendum. Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Seychelles (2011). Art. 164
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/SC/seychelles-constitution-2011/view
Elections Act Chapter 68A (1996). Part IV
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/SC/seychelles-electoral-act-1996/view
Article 7
(1) The Slovak Republic may enter into a state union with other states upon its free
decision. The decision on entering into a state union with other states, or on withdrawal
from this union, shall be made by a constitutional law which must be confirmed by a
referendum.
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 7(1), 93-100
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/constitution-of-the-slovak-republic-as-amended-to/view
Optional referendums may be proclaimed by the executive in terms of an Act of Parliament. Source:
Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Article. 84(2(g))
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Pursuant to Schedule A(30) herein, the President, or the National Legislature, through a resolution passed by more than half of all its members, may refer for a referendum any matter of public interest. Source:
Transitional Constitution 2011, art. 193: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/4e269a3e2.html%C2%A0 (2012)
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Española”, art. 23, 87, 92, 151, 166, 167:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-constitucion-espanola-2011-2016/ ;
Law 2/1980 of 18 January on the regulation of the different kinds of referendum: “Ley Orgánica 2/1980, de 18 de enero, sobre regulación de las distintas modalidades de referéndum”:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-2-1980-de-18-de-enero-sobre/view;
Law 3/1984 of 26 March on Citizens’ legislative Iniciative: “Ley Orgánica 3/1984, de 26 de marzo, Reguladora de la Iniciativa Legislativa Popular”:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-3-1984-de-26-de-marzo/
The only legal provision with regard to direct democracy mechanisms refers to the constitutional referendum held in 1987 for the approval of the Constitution of Suriname. Source:
Constitution, Art. 186: http://pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/Suriname/english.html (2012)
There are two types of referendums in Sweden; advisory referendums and referendums in a constitutional matter. Sweden has so far only held advisory referendums (six of them, the latest in 2003). Source:
The Instrument of the Government Ch. 8, Section 4, 15, 16: 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)
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, 88, 89 and 146
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Amendments and addenda to the Constitution shall take place by referendum.
The President or the Majlisi Namoyandagon shall appoint referendum with the consent of no less than two thirds of total number of deputies.
A referendum is called by the President or the Majlisi Namoyandagon with the support of no less than two thirds of the total number of deputies. Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Tajikistan, art. 98.
Constitutional Law of the Republic of Tajikistan on Referendum in the Republic of Tajikistan.
All people shall be free to send letters or petitions to the King or Legislative Assembly and to meet and consult concerning matters about which they think it right to petition the King or Legislative Assembly to pass or repeal enactments provided that they meet peaceably without arms and without disorder. Source:
Constitution of Tonga, Art. 8: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/Tonga%20Act%20of%20Constitution%201988.pdf/view (2021)
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/
Source:
The Constitution of 26 January 2014, art. 3, 50, 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).
If a law on the amendment to the Constitution is adopted by a three-fifths or less than two-thirds majority of the total number of members of the Assembly and is not sent back by the President of the Republic to the Assembly for reconsideration, it shall be published in the Official Gazette and be submitted to referendum. Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Turkey, art. 175: https://global.tbmm.gov.tr/docs/constitution_en.pdf
Source:
Constitution of Turkmenistan (2008), art. 94, 95, 97, 98, 117, 57 (2), 61 (1), 63 (5): http://www.legislationline.org/documents/section/constitutions/country/51 (2013);
Law on Referendum of Turkmenistan (1993)
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/
The constitution grants the right of recall based on a petition, as well as a right to demand referenda. Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, art. 68, 69, 74, 84, 255, 260: http://www.ec.or.ug/docs/Constitution_1995.pdf (2016)
Parliament can call for a UK wide, national referendum or English Regional referendums to be held under a generic piece of legislation called the Political Parties Elections and Referendums Act 2000. It is generic legislation for all UK, national and regional referendums. Further subsequent legislation is required before a referendum can actually be held. Source:
Political Parties Elections and Referendums Act 2000, Section 101
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/41/section/101
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008)
http://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook.pdf
Some states and D.C. have provisions for direct democracy, but there is no such provision at the national level. Source:
https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/initiative-and-referendum-processes
Source:
Constitution: Constitución de la República de Uruguay, art. 79 (2), 304, 305, 331, https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/UY/uruguay-constitucion-de-la-republica-2004-vigente/view (2004).
All citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan shall have the right to participate in the management and administration of public and state affairs, both directly and through representation. They may exercise this right by way of self-government, referendums and democratic formation of state bodies, as well as public control over activities of state bodies. Source:
The Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Chapter 8, Article 36: Articles, 9, 32, 74, 127 https://constitution.uz/en/clause/index
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
The Standing Committee of the National Assembly shall organise a referendum following decision by the National Assembly. 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)
The constitution mentions only referendum when describing the tasks of the Electoral Commission. Besides that no direct democracy provisions can be found in the constitution. Source:
Zimbabwe Constitution 157 (1).https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Zimbabwe_2013
2023/09/25
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