|
total countries/territories: 117
|
|---|
| Country/Territory |
Answers |
Comments |
Verified |
|
Afghanistan
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2006/10/27
|
|
Albania
|
a. Constitutional amendments
i. Other public policy issues
|
The Constitution and the electoral code uses the expression “matters/issues of special importance” for those questions which can be objects of a referendum.
Source:
Art. 150 et seq., 177, Constitution, Art 118 et seq. Electoral Code.
|
2005/03/17
|
|
Algeria
|
k. None
|
Not mentioned
Source:
Article 7, Constitution
|
2005/04/29
|
|
American Samoa
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
Source:
Filivaa M. Mageo, Deputy Director of Elections, Territorial Election Office
|
2007/01/08
|
|
Andorra
|
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignty, national self-determination
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
f. Devolution
g. Civil service
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
|
C:V: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."
Source:
The Constitution of the Principality of Andorra, Article 76
|
2006/10/26
|
|
Angola
|
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
j. Other (specify)
|
C:73 "(1) The President of the Republic may, on the proposal of the Government or the National Assembly, submit to a referendum draft laws or the ratification of international treaties which, without being contrary to the Constitution, affect the organization of public department and the functioning of institutions."
Source:
The Constitution of Angola, Article 73 (1)
|
2006/10/26
|
|
Anguilla
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2006/10/30
|
|
Antigua and Barbuda
|
k. None
|
|
2006/03/17
|
|
Argentina
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2021/12/26
|
|
Austria
|
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
f. Devolution
g. Civil service
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
|
In principle, every parliamentary decision can become subject to a referendum.
|
2005/04/26
|
|
Azerbaijan
|
j. Other (specify)
|
The Azerbaijan people can settle every matter connected with their rights and interests by referendum.
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
|
l. Not applicable
|
Source:
The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB)
|
2006/11/15
|
|
Bahrain
|
k. None
|
not specified
Source:
Article 43, Constitution
|
2005/05/01
|
|
Bangladesh
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2006/11/27
|
|
Belarus
|
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignty, national self-determination
f. Devolution
g. Civil service
i. Other public policy issues
j. Other (specify)
|
The following subjects cannot be subjects of referenda:
any questions, which may lead to violation of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Belarus;
any questions pertaining to election and dismissal of the President of the Republic of Belarus and appointment (election or dismissal) of officials whose appointment (election or dismissal) is within the competence of the President of the Republic of Belarus and the Chambers of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus;
any questions on adopting and amending the budget and introducing, changing and cancelling taxes; and
any questions on amnesty or pardon.
Source:
Art 112 Electoral Code
|
2005/03/25
|
|
Belgium
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2012/05/04
|
|
Benin
|
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
i. Other public policy issues
|
Source:
Constitution, Articles 58; 108; 155.
|
2005/06/30
|
|
Bosnia and Herzegovina
|
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignty, 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:
Law on Referendum in SR Bosnia and Herzegovina
|
2006/11/04
|
|
Botswana
|
k. None
|
Before the President can assent to the Bill (passed by Parliament) to amend certain entrenched provisions listed in the section 89 (3)(b).
Source:
The Constitution of Botswana, Section 89 (3)(b) and(4)
|
2006/10/17
|
|
Bulgaria
|
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
j. Other (specify)
|
j) All other issues in the competency of the National Assembly
Source:
Law for referendums, article 5
|
2006/11/03
|
|
Burkina Faso
|
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignty, 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:
Assemblee Nationale
|
2005/04/12
|
|
Cambodia
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2006/11/06
|
|
Canada
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
a) Federal referenda may only be held on issues that deal with the Constitution of Canada as provided by s. 3 of the Referendum Act. This, however, does not preclude Parliament from passing legislation to have a referendum on any other issue.
Source:
The Referendum Act of Canada
|
2006/12/10
|
|
Cape Verde
|
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
g. Civil service
i. Other public policy issues
j. Other (specify)
|
j) Any matter except the ones defined by the constitution. C:ChII:108 "1. The electors registered in the electoral census in the national territory shall have the right to pronounce themselves through a referendum on any matter relevant to national or local interest."
Source:
The Constitution of the Republic of Cape Verde, article 108
|
2006/11/27
|
|
Central African Republic
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
C:101 "Revision intervenes when the draft presented to the state has been passed by the National Assembly by a three-fourths majority of the members which compose it, or has been adopted by referendum."
Source:
The 1994 Constitution of the Central African Republic, article 101
|
2006/11/28
|
|
Chile
|
a. Constitutional amendments
|
|
2005/04/05
|
|
Colombia
|
j. Other (specify)
|
|
2005/06/23
|
|
Comoros
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2006/11/28
|
|
Congo (Brazzaville)
|
j. Other (specify)
|
j) Matters of national interest, except the issues in relation to which referendum is mandatory.
C:79 "(1) The President of the Republic can, upon the initiative of the Government during its sessions or upon the initiative of the National Assembly published in the Official Journal, submit to referendum any bill or proposition of law effecting areas susceptible to have great consequences upon the functioning of institutions or on society."
Source:
The 1992 Constitution of the Congo, article 79(1)
|
2006/11/28
|
|
Cook Islands
|
l. Not applicable
|
Source:
Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
|
2007/01/08
|
|
Costa Rica
|
a. Constitutional amendments
j. Other (specify)
|
j. Citizens can propose laws provided the matter to be legislated is not one of the specified in the Constitution, article 105; a referendum can take place upon the proposition of citizenry, the Legislative Assembly or the Executive and Legislative Assembly jointly.
Source:
Constitution: 105.
Referendum Law: 3.
|
2007/10/08
|
|
Croatia
|
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
|
Source:
Mr. Damir Azenic, GONG
|
2005/11/14
|
|
Cuba
|
j. Other (specify)
|
The electors can be convoked on any subject as long as the National Assembly of People's Power agree on doing so.
Source:
EL: 75
|
2007/11/07
|
|
Cyprus
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2012/04/26
|
|
Czech Republic
|
j. Other (specify)
|
j) It is not regulated. Only one referendum has been held, on the EU accession.
|
2006/11/27
|
|
Côte d'Ivoire
|
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignty, 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:
Article 43 de la Constitution
|
2005/04/06
|
|
Denmark
|
i. Other public policy issues
|
i) All issues not excluded in art. 42, sec. 6 in the constitution.
Source:
The Danish Constitution, art. 42
|
2015/06/12
|
|
Ecuador
|
k. None
|
|
2005/04/26
|
|
El Salvador
|
l. Not applicable
|
Source:
1983 Cosntitution, updated to 2003 reforms.
|
2007/09/26
|
|
Equatorial Guinea
|
a. Constitutional amendments
i. Other public policy issues
|
C:65 "The President of the Republic may, after consulting the council of Ministers and the Bureau of the National Assembly, decide to summon a referendum where he deems necessary. The bill that shall be adopted therein shall be enforced and promulgated by the president of the Republic."
C:103 "The President of the Republic may summon a referendum to revise the constitution; the absolute majority of members of Parliament may equally request amendments."
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, art. 65 and 103
|
2006/11/29
|
|
Eritrea
|
k. None
|
Source:
Eritrean referendum proclamation no. 22/1992
|
2005/04/06
|
|
Estonia
|
a. Constitutional amendments
j. Other (specify)
|
a) Except in the case of mandatory referendum, the constitution can be amended either by referendum or by the parliament.
j) A bill or any other national issue except the issues listed in art. 106 of the Constitution
Source:
The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, art. 105-106 and 163
|
2007/05/23
|
|
Ethiopia
|
k. None
|
not applicable
Source:
article 54(2),53(7) 61(3) Ethiopia constitution.
|
2005/08/18
|
|
Finland
|
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignty, national self-determination
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
f. Devolution
g. Civil service
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
j. Other (specify)
|
A referendum may be suggested about any subject that is considered worthwhile.
|
2005/04/13
|
|
France
|
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignty, national self-determination
i. Other public policy issues
|
Source:
Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 89
|
2012/05/03
|
|
Gambia
|
j. Other (specify)
|
Clauses that are not entrenched could have optional referendum
|
2006/11/09
|
|
Germany
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2021/11/29
|
|
Ghana
|
l. Not applicable
|
Source:
1992 Constitution.
|
2005/12/15
|
|
Greece
|
j. Other (specify)
|
A referendum may be held for important national matters as well as for draft laws that have been passed which regulate serious social questions, with the exception of the fiscal ones.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 44:2
|
2012/04/13
|
|
Iran, Islamic Republic of
|
j. Other (specify)
|
In extremely important economic, political, social, and cultural matters, the function 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.
Source:
Constitution of The Islamic Republic of Iran (1989), Art. 59: 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
|
k. None
|
Source:
Jose Maria Aranaz, Legal Advisor, UN-EAD
|
2007/01/03
|
|
Ireland
|
i. Other public policy issues
|
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,"
Source:
Articles 27 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
|
a. Constitutional amendments
j. Other (specify)
|
On a national level, all laws can be subject to a referendum (with important exceptions, such as budget laws and law ratifying international treaties). Constitutional amendments are regulated by special provisions.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 75 and 138
|
2012/04/17
|
|
Japan
|
k. None
|
Source:
Constitution of Japan
|
2006/12/25
|
|
Jordan
|
k. None
|
They are not discussed on the national level, only in the government
Source:
Constitution
|
2005/05/01
|
|
Kazakhstan
|
a. Constitutional amendments
f. Devolution
i. Other public policy issues
j. Other (specify)
|
The subject of referendum shall be:
1) adoption of the Constitution, constitutional acts, laws of the Republic, introduction to them of any changes and additions;
2) solution of other most important issues of the public life of the Republic.
Source:
Article 2, Law on Referendum
|
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
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2020/05/03
|
|
Korea, Republic of
|
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignty, national self-determination
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
f. Devolution
g. Civil service
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
j. Other (specify)
|
j) C:72 "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."
Source:
The Constitution of the Republic of Korea, art. 72
|
2006/12/25
|
|
Latvia
|
j. Other (specify)
|
Membership of Latvia in the European Union must be decided.
Source:
Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 1.
|
2005/03/21
|
|
Liberia
|
i. Other public policy issues
|
legislative powers (constitution)
|
2005/09/30
|
|
Liechtenstein
|
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignty, national self-determination
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
f. Devolution
g. Civil service
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
|
|
2005/05/03
|
|
Lithuania
|
j. Other (specify)
|
All issues not decided by mandatory referendums. Consultative (deliberative) referendums may be held with respect to issues of utmost importance to the State and the People, regarding those for which is not necessary to hold a mandatory referendum. The proposal for such a referendum can be made by 300.000 citizens having the right to vote or by Seimas (parliament).
Source:
Republic of Lithuania Law on Referendum, last amended on 6 May 2014 — No XII-860, art. 4-5.
|
2007/01/15
|
|
Macedonia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of
|
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
d. National sovereignty, national self-determination
f. Devolution
g. Civil service
i. Other public policy issues
j. Other (specify)
|
Constitution, Article 130: A proposal to initiate a change in the Constitution in the Republic of Macedonia may be made by the President of the Republic, by the Government, by at least 30 Representatives, or by 150,000 citizens.
Law on Referendum: Article 4
Referendum may be announced for passing laws, need of ratification of international agreements and other issues that are competence of the Assembly (previous).
Law on Referendum: Article 5
Referendum may be announced for re-estimation of laws and decisions passed by the Assembly by the electors or for giving the opinion of the electors for other issues decided by the Assembly (additional).
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, Art. 130:
https://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/mk/mk014en.pdf
Law on Referendum and civil initiative, Official Gazette of RM no. 24/98, art. 4,5:
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/5640
|
2020/04/22
|
|
Madagascar
|
j. Other (specify)
|
Any important issue that affects the country
Source:
Electoral code Article 29
|
2005/08/25
|
|
Malawi
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2006/10/16
|
|
Malaysia
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2007/01/07
|
|
Maldives
|
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignty, national self-determination
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
f. Devolution
g. Civil service
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
j. Other (specify)
|
j) All major issues.
C:42 "(f) Holding public referendums on major issues concerning which the President requires to obtain public opinion."
Source:
The Constitution of the Republic of the Maldives, art. 42
|
2006/12/30
|
|
Mali
|
b. Adoption of international treaties
f. Devolution
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
|
Source:
selon Monsieur Omar Kamian du CSC
|
2005/06/03
|
|
Malta
|
a. Constitutional amendments
i. Other public policy issues
|
Source:
The Constitution of Malta and the Referenda Act (Cap. 237)
|
2006/11/22
|
|
Mauritania
|
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignty, national self-determination
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
g. Civil service
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
j. Other (specify)
|
j) All matters except those that are subject to mandatory referendums as stipulated in the constitution.
C:II:Art38 "The President of the Republic, on any question of national importance, may have recourse to the people through a referendum."
Source:
The 1991 Constitution of Mauritania, art. 38
|
2006/12/30
|
|
Mauritius
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2007/06/01
|
|
Moldova, Republic of
|
j. Other (specify)
|
Since there is no permanent legal provisions there are no predefined list of issues which may be subject to an advisory referendum.
Source:
Kare Vollan, Director, Quality AS
|
2021/03/30
|
|
Montenegro
|
i. Other public policy issues
j. Other (specify)
|
Art. 3: The republican referendum can be called for the purpose obtaining an opinion of citizens prior to making a decision on specific issues lying within the competence of the Assembly of the Republic.
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
|
k. None
|
|
2006/10/16
|
|
Namibia
|
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignty, national self-determination
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
f. Devolution
g. Civil service
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
j. Other (specify)
|
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:
The Constitution of the Republic of Namibia, Chapter 19, Article 63 and 132, Section 3 (a) "Repeal and Amendment of the Constitution"
|
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 sovereignty, national self-determination
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
f. Devolution
|
Source:
Articles 6, 49, 134, 135, 136, 137 de la constitution
|
2005/06/06
|
|
Nigeria
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2006/12/30
|
|
Norway
|
j. Other (specify)
|
Since there is no permanent legal provisions there are no predefined list of issues which may be subject to an advisory referendum.
Source:
Kare Vollan, Director, Quality AS
|
2007/01/07
|
|
Pakistan
|
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignty, national self-determination
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
f. Devolution
g. Civil service
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
j. Other (specify)
|
j) Any matter of national importance.
C:26B "(6) If, at any time, the President, in his discretion, or on the advice of the Prime Minister, considers that it is desirable that any matter of national importance should be referred to a referendum, the President may cause the matter to be referred to a referendum in the form of a question that is capable of being answered either by "Yes" or "No". (7) An act of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) may lay down the procedure for the holding of a referendum and the compiling and consolidation of the result of a referendum."
Source:
The 1973 Constitution of Pakistan, art. 26B
|
2006/12/31
|
|
Palau
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2006/12/31
|
|
Panama
|
k. None
|
|
2007/10/01
|
|
Paraguay
|
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignty, national self-determination
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
f. Devolution
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
|
j) All issues except constitutional amendments that are subject to mandatory referendums, or excluded by the law.
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."
Source:
The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Paraguay, art. II:X:122 and IV:290
|
2006/12/31
|
|
Peru
|
k. None
|
|
2005/08/24
|
|
Poland
|
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
|
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
|
j. Other (specify)
|
j) The only subjects for a referendum shall be those matters of national interest in respect of which the power of decision rests with the Assembly of the Republic or the Government through the approval of an international convention or the enactment of legislation.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 115
|
2012/04/20
|
|
Puerto Rico
|
l. Not applicable
|
|
2009/07/05
|
|
Romania
|
j. Other (specify)
|
j: issues of national interest, which may cover everything that does not belong to mandatory referendum and that is not excluded (see infra).
Source:
Constitution, 2003, Section 150-152., Law on referendums, 2000.
|
2005/03/20
|
|
Russian Federation
|
a. Constitutional amendments
j. Other (specify)
|
ad A) The Constitutional Assembly decides if the amendment of the Constitution should be put on the popular vote or not.
ad J) At first issues that come under solely Russian Federation and at second under joint competence of regions and Russian Federation can be put to referendum.
Source:
Federal Constitutional Act on the Referendum of Russian Federation of 2004. N 5/FK3 . Art.6. (1); (4).
|
2005/03/19
|
|
Rwanda
|
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignty, national self-determination
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
f. Devolution
g. Civil service
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
|
C:47 "The President of the Republic may, on the advice of the Government and the National Assembly, submit to a referendum any bill or any other matter."
Source:
The 2003 Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda, art. 47
|
2018/11/02
|
|
Saint Kitts and Nevis
|
l. Not applicable
|
Not explicitly stated.
|
2020/04/20
|
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Senegal
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a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
d. National sovereignty, national self-determination
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
f. Devolution
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Source:
Articles 50 et 103 de la constitution
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2005/06/06
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Seychelles
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j. Other (specify)
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Any issue that the presidents deems fit for a referendum
Source:
elections act chapter 68A section 54
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2005/08/30
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Sierra Leone
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k. None
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2005/06/08
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Singapore
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l. Not applicable
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2007/01/07
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Slovakia
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j. Other (specify)
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j) Important issues of public interest.
Source:
The Constitution of the Slovak Republic (1992), Art. 93(2)
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2006/12/10
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Solomon Islands
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l. Not applicable
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Source:
David Clark, Electoral Capacity Development Coordinator, Solomon Islands Election Commission
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2007/01/09
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Somalia
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k. None
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Source:
The law of the referendum constitution of the republic of Somalia article 1
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2005/04/13
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South Africa
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a. Constitutional amendments
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2006/10/17
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Sri Lanka
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b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignty, national self-determination
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
f. Devolution
g. Civil service
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
j. Other (specify)
|
j) All issues that the President regards important, except those matters in relation to which referendum is mandatory.
C:86 "The President may, subject to the provisions of Article 85, submit to the People by Referendum any matter which in the opinion of the President is of national importance."
Source:
The Constitution of Sri Lanka, art. 86: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LK/sri-lanka-constitution-as-amended-up-to-9/at_download/file
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2016/02/15
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Swaziland
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k. None
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2006/10/16
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Sweden
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a. Constitutional amendments
i. Other public policy issues
j. Other (specify)
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The decision to hold a referendum on any subject is made by the Riksdag.
Source:
The Instrument of the Government, Ch. 8, Section 4: Official Website of the Parliament: http://www.riksdagen.se/sv/Start/Bestall/Sprakversioner/English---engelska1/Sveriges-grundlagar-och-riksdagsordningen1/ (2012)
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2012/05/16
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Switzerland
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b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
j. Other (specify)
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An optional referendum can be held on:
- Federal Statutes;
- Federal Statutes declared urgent with a validity exceeding one year;
- Federal decrees to the extent the Constitution or the statute foresee this;
- International treaties which:
1) are of unlimited duration and may not be terminated;
2) provide for the entry into an international organization;
3) involve an adaptation of Federal statutes.
Note that there is no restriction with regard to topics on which an optional referendum may be held. Each topic that is dealt with in a Federal Statute (law) may be subject to an optional referendum.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 141
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2012/05/14
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Timor-Leste
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a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignty, national self-determination
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
f. Devolution
g. Civil service
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
j. Other (specify)
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j) All matters of national interest, except those falling under the exclusive competence of the Parliament, the Government and the Courts.
C:66 "2. A referendum shall be called by the President of the Republic, following a proposal by one third, and deliberation approved by a two thirds majority, of the Members of the National Parliament, or following a well-founded proposal by the Government. 3. Matters falling under the exclusive competence of the Parliament, the Government and the Courts as defined by the Constitution shall not be the subject of a referendum."
C:156 "1. Laws revising the Constitution shall respect: a) National independence and the unity of the State; b) The rights, freedoms and guarantees of citizens; c) The republican form of government; d) The separation of powers; e) The independence of the courts; f) The multi-party system and the right of democratic opposition; g) The free, universal, direct, secret and regular suffrage of the office holders of the organs of sovereignty, as well as the system of proportional representation; h) The principle of administrative deconcentration and decentralisation; i) The National Flag; j) The date of proclamation of national independence. 2. Paragraphs c) and i) may be reviewed through a national referendum, in accordance with the law."
Source:
The 2002 Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste, art. 66:2-3 and 156
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2007/01/05
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Togo
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a. Constitutional amendments
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Source:
Constitution 1992 titre 13 article 144 alineas 3 et 4.
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2005/04/28
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Tonga
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l. Not applicable
|
|
2021/09/15
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Turkey
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a. Constitutional amendments
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Only Amandments of the Constituion can be subject of a referendum.
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
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2015/06/01
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Uganda
|
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignty, 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)
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2005/04/01
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|
Ukraine
|
a. Constitutional amendments
i. Other public policy issues
|
Art. 3. of the Law on referenda:
Subject - Matter of All-Ukrainian Referendum.
The subject-matter of All-Ukrainian referendum can be:
confirmation of the Constitution of Ukraine, its separate provisions, as well as introduction of changes and amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine;
adoption, change or cancellation of Laws of Ukraine or their separate provisions;
adoption of decisions which determine the principal content of the Constitution of Ukraine, Laws of Ukraine, and other legislative Acts.
Art. 72. of the Constitution
An All-Ukrainian referendum is called on popular initiative on the request of no less than three million citizens of Ukraine who have the right to vote, on the condition that the signatures in favour of designating the referendum have been collected in no less than two-thirds of the oblasts, with no less than 100 000 signatures in each oblast.
Source:
art. 3. of law on referenda, art.72 of constitution
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2005/03/17
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Uruguay
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l. Not applicable
|
En Uruguay los referéndum son obligatorios, e impone un mandato que debe ser cumplido sin más trámite y que obviamente no se puede desconocer. No existe el referéndum optativo. No obstante se debe distinguir: que el sufragio es obligatorio para el Cuerpo Electoral, y que también es obligatorio el resultado del pronunciamiento popular. Es decir, que son obligatorios en ambos sentidos.
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2006/04/11
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Vanuatu
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l. Not applicable
|
|
2016/01/27
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Venezuela
|
b. Adoption of international treaties
j. Other (specify)
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Source:
Art. 71-74, Constitución.
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2006/04/07
|
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Viet Nam
|
j. Other (specify)
|
Depends on what national assembly decide.
Source:
Constitution, article 84, article 91 (12)
|
2021/03/25
|
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Zambia
|
k. None
|
|
2006/10/16
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