|
total countries/territories: 213
|
|---|
| Country/Territory |
Answers |
Comments |
Verified |
|
Afghanistan
|
c. No information available
|
|
2019/09/24
|
|
Albania
|
c. No information available
|
|
2017/05/19
|
|
Algeria
|
b. No
|
No provisions in the constitution
Source:
Constitution: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Algeria_2008?lang=en (2017)
|
2017/03/21
|
|
Andorra
|
a. Yes
|
Referendum and agenda initiative procedure.
Source:
IDEA International Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/42/45
|
2023/06/09
|
|
Angola
|
b. No
|
No mention in the Constitution.
Source:
Constitution of 3 February 2010: http://www.tribunalconstitucional.ao/uploads/%7B9555c635-8d7c-4ea1-b7f9-0cd33d08ea40%7D.pdf (2017)
|
2017/03/29
|
|
Anguilla
|
b. No
|
|
2015/02/27
|
|
Antigua and Barbuda
|
c. No information available
|
|
2009/08/20
|
|
Argentina
|
a. Yes
|
Since 1996, Argentine legislation has provided the basic rules of a
direct democracy mechanism: the signatures of 1.5 per cent of the electorate – about 400,000 registered electors – are required to bring a legislative proposal forward to the national parliament.
Source:
International IDEA: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" Page 91. http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/upload/direct_democracy_handbook_chapter4.pdf (2008).
|
2021/12/26
|
|
Armenia
|
a. Yes
|
The community members may directly take part in the administration of the community affairs by resolving the issues of local significance through local referenda.
The communities may, based on the interests of the public, be merged with each other or separated by the law. The appropriate law shall be adopted by the National Assembly upon the recommendation of the Government. Before submitting the legislative initiative the Government shall appoint local referenda in those communities. The outcomes of the local referenda shall be attached to the legislative initiative. The communities may be merged or separated irrespective of the outcomes of the local referenda.
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, art. 30 (2), 107 (4), 110: http://res.elections.am/images/doc/consist_eng.pdf (2013).
|
2015/12/01
|
|
Aruba
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008), (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
|
2017/07/07
|
|
Australia
|
a. Yes
|
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), (https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook_0.pdf)
Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2019C00100/f03f448e-da13-4d34-928b-688bc43735e4
|
2024/09/09
|
|
Austria
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2012/05/29
|
|
Azerbaijan
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan (1995) including amendments: https://president.az/en/pages/view/azerbaijan/constitution
|
2024/11/12
|
|
Bahamas
|
b. No
|
Source:
The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (CCB)
|
2017/03/27
|
|
Bahrain
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Constitution: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bahrain_2017
|
2024/11/25
|
|
Bangladesh
|
d. Not applicable
|
Source:
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
|
2012/05/30
|
|
Belarus
|
a. Yes
|
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.
The issues, which may be submitted to a local referendum, include the most important issues for the population of respective administrative territorial units, which fall within the competence of the respective local Councils of Deputies, and executive and administrative bodies.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 75: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-constitution-2021-english/ ;
Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 112: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
|
2023/09/13
|
|
Belgium
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/catalogue/direct-democracy-international-idea-handbook)
|
2019/04/25
|
|
Belize
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Referendum Law: “Referendum Act, Chapter 10”, Section 2 (1 b): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-referendum-act-2020/ ;
Recall Law: “Recall of Elected Representatives Act, Chapter 9:01”, Section 3 (2): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-recall-of-elected-representatives-act-2020/
|
2025/03/24
|
|
Benin
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of 11 December 1990:
http://www.gouv.bj/sites/default/files/Cour-Constitutionnelle-recueil-des-textes-fondamentaux.pdf (2016)
|
2019/04/05
|
|
Bermuda
|
c. No information available
|
|
2012/05/31
|
|
Bhutan
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Constitution of Bhutan: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bhutan_2008
|
2024/08/27
|
|
Bolivia
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution; "Constitución Política del Estado", art. 274, 275, 280 (II), 300 (I-3), 302 (I-2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BO/bolivia-constitucion-politica-del-estado-vigente/ (2019).
|
2024/12/10
|
|
Bosnia and Herzegovina
|
b. No
|
Not mentioned in the constitution
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
|
2025/06/26
|
|
Botswana
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of Botswana: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Referendum Act, (Chapter 02:10): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-referendum-act-chapter-02-10/view (2014).
|
2014/10/28
|
|
Brazil
|
a. Yes
|
Brazil allows for direct democracy at sub-national levels, including regional and local levels. The plebiscite and the referendum are called by legislative decree. In other matters, under the jurisdiction of states, the Federal District, and municipalities, the plebiscite and the referendum will be called in accordance with the respective state constitution and the Organic Law. (Source: Plebiscite and Referendum)
Constitution:
Article 14. Popular sovereignty shall be exercised through universal suffrage and direct and secret voting, with equal value for all, and, in accordance with the law, through:
I – plebiscite;
II – referendum;
III – popular initiative.
Article 18. The political-administrative organization of the Federative Republic of Brazil comprises the Union, the states, the Federal District, and the municipalities, all autonomous, according to this Constitution.
§ 3. States may incorporate themselves with one another, subdivide, or dismember to annex to others, or form new states or federal territories, subject to approval by the directly interested population through a plebiscite, and by the National Congress, through a complementary law.
§ 4. The creation, incorporation, merging, and dismemberment of municipalities shall be done by state law, within the period determined by federal complementary law, and shall depend on prior consultation, through a plebiscite, of the populations of the municipalities involved, after the publication of the Municipal Viability Studies, presented and published in accordance with the law.
Article 29.
XIII – popular initiative for bills of specific interest to the municipality, city, or neighborhoods, through a manifestation of at least five percent of the electorate;
Source:
Constitution of the Federative Republic of Brazil, 1988, Article 14, 18(3, 4), 29 (XIII), 49:
https://www.tse.jus.br/legislacao/codigo-eleitoral/constituicao-federal/constituicao-da-republica-federativa-do-brasil
Law No. 9,709, of November 18, 1998:
https://www.planalto.gov.br/Ccivil_03/leis/L9709.htm
Plebiscite and Referendum:
https://www.tse.jus.br/eleicoes/plebiscitos-e-referendos
|
2024/10/25
|
|
Brunei Darussalam
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: http://publicofficialsfinancialdisclosure.worldbank.org/fdl/sites/fdl/files/assets/law-library-files/Brunei_Constitution_1959_amended%202011_EN.pdf (2013)
|
2013/03/18
|
|
Bulgaria
|
a. Yes
|
A municipality is the basic administratively-territorial unit in which self-administration is carried out. Citizens participate in the government of the municipality both through their elected organs of local self-administration and also directly through a referendum or a general meeting of the population.
Source:
Constitution, article 136.
http://www.parliament.bg/en/const (2014)
|
2014/10/02
|
|
Burkina Faso
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution as amended in 2015: http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/fr/bf/bf017fr.pdf (2015)
|
2015/12/04
|
|
Burma (Myanmar)
|
a. Yes
|
If there arises a cause to re-delineate the territorial boundary of a Region or a State, the prior consent of the electorate residing within the township concerned shall be obtained. If more than half of the total number of eligible voters residing within the township concerned cast assenting vote for re-delineation of the territorial boundary, the consent of the Hluttaw representatives of the Region or State involved in the territorial boundary concerned shall be obtained.
Source:
Constitution of Myanmar, art. 53 (a): http://burmacampaign.org.uk/media/Constitution-1.pdf (2015).
|
2015/11/20
|
|
Burundi
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=37&database_theme=309
|
2025/05/08
|
|
Cambodia
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: http://www.ccc.gov.kh/detail_info_en.php?_txtID=791
|
2023/10/12
|
|
Cameroon
|
c. No information available
|
|
2018/11/07
|
|
Canada
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
International Idea (2008):"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm).
|
2025/03/28
|
|
Cape Verde
|
a. Yes
|
The local referendum has always a deliberative effect.
Source:
Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 176 (b), 103 (5, 7): http://www.parlamento.cv/Downloads/Constitui%C3%A7%C3%A3o%20da%20Rep%C3%BAblica%20de%20Cabo%20verde,%202010.pdf (2016)
|
2016/05/04
|
|
Cayman Islands
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: “Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009”, Section 69, 70: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/KY/cayman-islands-constitution-2009/ ;
|
2021/12/13
|
|
Central African Republic
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook.pdf
|
2021/04/19
|
|
Chad
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Constitution as amended by Constitutional Law n° 008/PR/2005: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Chad_2005.pdf?lang=en (2016)
|
2019/04/23
|
|
Chile
|
a. Yes
|
Article 118.- The municipalities may associate among themselves in accordance with the respective constitutional organic law, and such associations may enjoy legal personality under private law. Likewise, they may constitute or integrate non-profit corporations or foundations of private law whose purpose is the promotion and dissemination of art, culture and sports, or the promotion of community and productive development works. Municipal participation in them shall be governed by the aforementioned constitutional organic law. The municipalities may establish within the scope of the communes or group of communes, in accordance with the respective constitutional organic law, territories called neighborhood units, in order to promote a balanced development and an adequate channeling of citizen participation. The public services shall coordinate with the municipality when carrying out their work in the respective communal territory, in accordance with the law. The law shall determine the form and manner in which the ministries, public services and regional governments may transfer competencies to the municipalities, as well as the provisional or definitive nature of the transfer.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 118:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
|
2025/04/01
|
|
China
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2012/06/04
|
|
Cocos (keeling) Islands
|
a. Yes
|
Referendums are employed in the same manner in several of the Australian states. (International IDEA).
5F
(1) The Electoral Commissioner —
(a) subject to section 5E(1) is the chief executive officer of the Western Australian Electoral Commission; and
(ea) may conduct other elections, referendums or polls —
(i) if authorised to do so under another written law;
or
(ii) if they are provided for under another written law and the regulations authorise the Electoral Commissioner to conduct them;
(Western Australia Electoral Act 1907).
4.99
(3) Regulations may make necessary or convenient provisions in relation to preparing for, conducting and ascertaining the result of polls and referendums held by local governments, whether under local laws or otherwise, and for ensuring the purity of the conduct of them.
(Western Australia Local Government Act 1995).
Source:
International IDEA Handbook for Direct Democracy (2008), page 192: https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook_0.pdf
Western Australia Electoral Act 1907, art. 5F: https://www.legislation.wa.gov.au/legislation/statutes.nsf/main_mrtitle_290_homepage.html
Western Australia Local Government Act 1995, art. 4.99: https://www.legislation.wa.gov.au/legislation/statutes.nsf/main_mrtitle_551_homepage.html
|
2019/08/02
|
|
Colombia
|
a. Yes
|
Upon the fulfillment of the requirements and formalities prescribed by the general statute of the territorial organization and in the cases determined by the latter, the governors or mayors, as the case may be , will be entitled to hold popular consultations to decide issues falling under the jurisdiction of the irrespective department or municipality.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 105:
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”, art. 6, 35, 48, 51, 53, 56, 64, 70, 72:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/leyes-electorales/colombia-ley-134-de-1994-participacion-ciudadana/ (1994)
|
2024/12/13
|
|
Comoros
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Constitution:http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/com128670.pdf (2016)
|
2016/04/12
|
|
Congo (Brazzaville)
|
b. No
|
None governed by national electoral law.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 86, 180, 186: http://www.presidence.cg/files/my_files/constit200102.pdf (2017);
Election law of 24 November 2001, Art. 43: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CG/congo-brazzaville-electoral-law-2001/view (2001)http://www.congo-site.com (2017)
Election law of 24 November 2001, Amended 2016, Art. 44, 45
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CG/congo-brazzaville-electoral-law-amendments-2016/view (2017)
|
2017/03/29
|
|
Congo (Kinshasa), Democratic Republic of the
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution de la RDC (2011):http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rdc-constitution-2011/
|
2016/11/30
|
|
Costa Rica
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Municipal Law: "Ley 7794, Código Municipal", art. 19: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-7794-codigo-municipal-2018.pdf/
|
2018/01/24
|
|
Croatia
|
a. Yes
|
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. 133(3).
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Croatia_2013?lang=en
|
2025/04/15
|
|
Cuba
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución de la República de Cuba (2019)”, art. 191, 200: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CU/cuba-constitucion-2019-ace/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley No. 127, Ley Electoral”, art.: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CU/cuba-ley-electoral-127-2019-ace/ ;
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/
|
2023/09/12
|
|
Cyprus
|
a. Yes
|
Art. 7(3) (a) The communities' desire for inclusion is expressed in a referendum, the conduct of which is ordered by the Minister as soon as possible and in the manner set out in Article 10 of this Law.
Source:
The Communities Law of 1999, Greek Version (Law 86(I)/1999), Art. 7:
http://www.cylaw.org/nomoi/enop/non-ind/1999_1_86/full.html (2016);
The Municipalities and Community Councils of 2004, Greek Version (Law 98(I)/2004).
http://www.cylaw.org/nomoi/enop/non-ind/2004_1_98/full.html (2016).
|
2024/10/25
|
|
Cyprus (North)
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2012/06/07
|
|
Czech Republic
|
a. Yes
|
There are legal provisions for Direct Democracy at local level.
Source:
Constitution of the Czech Republic
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en
|
2018/03/02
|
|
Côte d'Ivoire
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: http://cndj.ci/constitution.htm (2012)
|
2012/12/17
|
|
Denmark
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2016/10/14
|
|
Djibouti
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Constitution, as amended by Constitutional Law n° 134/AN/06/5 L of 21 Avril 2010: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Djibouti_2010.pdf?lang=en (2016)
Loi N°174/AN/02/4ème L portant Décentralisation et Statut des Régions.
http://www.region-alisabieh.dj/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Textes-fondateurs-de-la-Région-Loi-N-174-AN-02-4ème-L-portant-Décentralisation-et-Statut-des-Régions.pdf
|
2018/04/02
|
|
Dominica
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2009/10/22
|
|
Dominican Republic
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitución: Constitución de la República Dominicana (2015) art. 203: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DO/republica-dominicana-constitucion-politica-2015/ (2020)
|
2020/02/05
|
|
Ecuador
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República del Ecuador”, art. 104, 106, 245, 257, 398: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ; Direct Democracy Law: “Ley Orgánica de Participación Ciudadana”, art. 20, 21, 23: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-ley-participacion-ciudadana-2011/
|
2025/03/13
|
|
Egypt
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of The Arab Republic of Egypt 2014: http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
|
2018/04/02
|
|
El Salvador
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/
|
2024/12/19
|
|
Equatorial Guinea
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Constitution as amended by referendum of 23 November 2011
|
2012/10/03
|
|
Estonia
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
|
2015/03/03
|
|
Ethiopia
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Constitution;
Electoral Law as amended by Proclamation No. 532/2007: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ET/ethiopia-proclamatio-no.-532-2007-amending-the/view
|
2015/05/18
|
|
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: “Falkland Islands Constitution Order 2008”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/FK/falkland-islands-constitution-2008/ ;
|
2022/04/19
|
|
Fiji
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/FJ/fiji-constitution-2013/at_download/file (2014).
Figi Local Government Act Cap 125 Rev. 1985
http://extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/pdf/fij99044.pdf
|
2018/04/20
|
|
Finland
|
a. Yes
|
Section 14: Every Finnish citizen and every foreigner permanently resident in Finland, having attained eighteen years of age, has the right to vote in municipal elections and municipal referendums, as provided by an Act. Provisions on the right to otherwise participate in municipal government are laid down by an Act.
Section 30
Municipal referenda
The council can decide to hold a referendum on any matter resting with the local authority.
Referenda are advisory.
A referendum can be held on a matter concerning the whole area of the local authority or some component area. Said component area shall then comprise one or more voting districts as referred to in the Act on Municipal Elections.
All persons entitled to vote shall have an equal voting right. Voting shall be confidential. There are separate provisions on the procedure to be followed in a municipal referendum.
Section 31
Referendum proposals
Local residents representing at least five per cent of those entitled to vote may propose a referendum. The council shall decide without delay whether to hold a referendum as proposed.
Source:
Constitution, Section 14: http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/kaannokset/1999/en19990731.pdf (2012);
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) pp. 86
https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook.pdf
Act on the procedure for holding municipal consultative referenda (656/1990)http://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/6030
|
2019/04/02
|
|
France
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Constitution, Art. 72-1;
General Code of regional authorities, Art. LO1112-1 to LO1112-7
|
2020/06/20
|
|
Gabon
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Constitution (as amended in 2011)
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gabon_1997?lang=en (2017)
|
2017/03/24
|
|
Gambia
|
a. Yes
|
The mandate of a Chairperson or an Mandate of a elected member of a Council may be revoked by at least 50% of the electorate of the electoral area concerned.
Source:
Local Government Act NO.5 of 2002, Art. 22: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GM/gambia-local-government-act-no.5-of-2002/view (2017)
|
2017/03/21
|
|
Georgia
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of Georgia:
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Georgia_2018?lang=en
|
2024/07/24
|
|
Germany
|
a. Yes
|
Regional and Local citizens initiatives and direct democracy provisions exist in the Constitution.
For instance, in each Land, county and municipality the people shall be represented by a body chosen in general, direct, free, equal and secret elections.
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Constitution, Art. 28 (1)
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_gg/englisch_gg.html
|
2021/11/29
|
|
Ghana
|
a. Yes
|
Subject to any procedure established by law, the mandate of a member of a District Assembly may be revoked by the electorate or the appointing body. Constitution, art. 249
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (1996), art. 249: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GH/ghana-constitution-1992-with-amendments-through/
|
2016/10/05
|
|
Gibraltar
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2019/11/04
|
|
Greece
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Greece_2008?lang=en
|
2020/07/26
|
|
Greenland
|
c. No information available
|
|
2012/06/14
|
|
Grenada
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2009/10/23
|
|
Guam
|
a. Yes
|
The provisions for Direct Democracy apply to all levels of Guam.
Source:
3 Guam Code Ch. 1:
http://www.guamcourts.org/CompilerofLaws/GCA/03gca/3gc001.PDF ;
3 Guam Code Ch. 16:
http://www.guamcourts.org/CompilerofLaws/GCA/03gca/3gc016.PDF
|
2020/10/28
|
|
Guatemala
|
d. Not applicable
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Guatemala”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/constitucion/guatemala-constitucion-politica-2012/ —
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Guatemala_1993.pdf
|
2023/05/29
|
|
Guinea
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution (2010): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GN/guinea-constitution-2010-english-version/
|
2017/01/26
|
|
Guinea-Bissau
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: http://www.anpguinebissau.org/leis/constituicao/constituicaoguine.pdf (2012)
|
2014/06/24
|
|
Haiti
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2015/04/08
|
|
Holy See (Vatican City State)
|
d. Not applicable
|
|
2012/05/14
|
|
Honduras
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de 1982", art. 5: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/HN/honduras-constitucion-politica-de-1982-2021/ ;
Direct Democracy Law: "Ley de mecanismos de participación ciudadana (2013)”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/HN/honduras-ley-democracia-directa-2013/
|
2025/08/07
|
|
Hong Kong
|
c. No information available
|
|
2021/06/07
|
|
Hungary
|
a. Yes
|
A local referendum may be held on any matter within the responsibilities and competences of local governments as defined by law.
Source:
Constitution: The Fundamental Law of Hungary, The State, Article 31(2): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=140968.322953.
|
2018/07/30
|
|
Iceland
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2012/06/20
|
|
India
|
c. No information available
|
Legal provisions for direct democracy measures are not found in the Constitution or Representation of the Peoples Act.
Source:
The Constitution of India: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/IN/india-constitution-as-amended-to-2007/view
Representation of the People Act, 1950: http://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/03_representation%20of%20the%20people%20act%2C%201950.pdf
Representation of the People Act, 1951: http://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/04_representation%20of%20the%20people%20act%2C%201951.pdf
|
2024/09/11
|
|
Indonesia
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/ID/indonesia-constitution/view
|
2014/04/02
|
|
Iran, Islamic Republic of
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
IDEA: Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=105&database_theme=309
|
2024/11/19
|
|
Iraq
|
a. Yes
|
Each region or governorate may adopt any other local language as an additional official language if the majority of its population so decides in a general referendum.
In addition, one or more governorates shall have the right to organize into a region based on a request to be voted on in a referendum submitted in one of
the following two methods: 1) A request by one-third of the council members of each governorate intending to form a region. 2) A request by one-tenth of the voters in each of the governorates intending to form a region.
Source:
Iraqi Constitution, Article 4(5), 119: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/mideast/IQ/Full%20Text%20of%20Iraqi%20Constitution.pdf/view
|
2018/04/19
|
|
Ireland
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=107&database_theme=309
|
2024/11/21
|
|
Israel
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
International IDEA Direct Democracy Handbook:
https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook.pdf
|
2019/06/13
|
|
Italy
|
a. Yes
|
The boundaries of regions and provinces can be modified with a referendum requested by the population involved. Each region has its own statute, and according to the Constitution it must contain direct democracy mechanisms for sub-national matters.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 123 and 138
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Italy_2012?lang=en
|
2020/07/18
|
|
Japan
|
a. Yes
|
Constitution Article 95. A special law, applicable only to one local public entity, cannot be enacted by the Diet without the consent of the majority of the voters of the local public entity concerned, obtained in accordance with law.
Recalls are also done through plebiscite.
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008): https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook_0.pdf
Constitution Art.95: https://japan.kantei.go.jp/constitution_and_government_of_japan/constitution_e.html
Local Autonomy Act Art.261: https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=322AC0000000067#1
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication: http://www.soumu.go.jp/senkyo/senkyo_s/naruhodo/naruhodo06.html
|
2019/07/10
|
|
Jersey
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2009/10/23
|
|
Jordan
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Constitution: http://www.representatives.jo/pdf/constitution_en.pdf (2012)
|
2012/08/17
|
|
Kazakhstan
|
b. No
|
The Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan stipulates for national referenda as a form of direct democracy.
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan: amended on June 9th, 2021. Article 3:
https://www.akorda.kz/en/constitution-of-the-republic-of-kazakhstan-50912
|
2024/10/24
|
|
Kiribati
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook.pdf
|
2020/05/03
|
|
Korea, Republic of
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=119&database_theme=309
|
2024/08/28
|
|
Kuwait
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: http://www.pm.gov.kw/en/state_Of_Kuwait/kuwaitConstitution.jsp (2013)
|
2013/01/30
|
|
Kyrgyzstan
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=121&database_theme=309
|
2025/05/07
|
|
Lao People's Democratic Republic
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Constitution: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view
|
2021/02/28
|
|
Latvia
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
|
2014/10/03
|
|
Lebanon
|
d. Not applicable
|
Source:
Constitution: http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf
|
2024/11/20
|
|
Lesotho
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008)
|
2017/07/19
|
|
Liberia
|
b. No
|
Source:
The 1986 Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, 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
|
2024/10/25
|
|
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
|
c. No information available
|
|
2024/11/25
|
|
Liechtenstein
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008)
https://www.idea.int/publications/catalogue/direct-democracy-international-idea-handbook
|
2022/08/02
|
|
Lithuania
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
|
2016/07/22
|
|
Luxembourg
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=130&database_theme=309
|
2024/11/21
|
|
Macedonia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of
|
a. Yes
|
Constitution:
Article 115:
In units of local self-government, citizens directly and through representatives participate in decision-making on issues of local relevance particularly in the fields of urban planning, communal activities, culture, sport, social security and child care, preschool education, primary education, basic health care and other fields determined by law.
Article 117: In the City of Skopje, citizens directly and through representatives participate in decision-making on issues of relevance for the City of Skopje particularly in the field of urban planning, communal activities, culture, sport, social security and child care, preschool education, primary education, basic health care and other fields determined by law.
Law on Referendum :
Article 82
(1) The gathering of citizens shall be called for the purpose of citizens stating their opinion on
particular issues being relevant to the local self-government and for the purpose of initiation of
initiatives regarding the settlement of issues with local importance.
(2) At the gathering the citizens shall consider issues, take stands and make proposals upon issues of
direct and everyday importance for the life and the work of the citizens in the municipality region
that is the local self-government
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia, art. 115 and 117.
https://www.sobranie.mk/the-constitution-of-the-republic-of-macedonia-ns_article-constitution-of-the-republic-of-north-macedonia.nspx
Law on Referendum and other forms of direct vote of citizens, art. 82-85:
https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/a9/NMAC_on%20referendum.pdf
|
2024/11/20
|
|
Madagascar
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: http://www.ceni-madagascar.mg/dossier/constitution.pdf (2013)
|
2013/02/12
|
|
Malawi
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2012/06/12
|
|
Malaysia
|
d. Not applicable
|
Source:
Constitution: http://confinder.richmond.edu/admin/docs/malaysia.pdf (2013)
|
2013/03/21
|
|
Maldives
|
b. No
|
Neither constitution, regulations for local councils' election nor lkocal council election regulation 2013 have provisions for direct democracy at sub-national levels.
Source:
Constitution 2008: http://www.majlis.gov.mv/en/wp-content/uploads/Constitution-english.pdf (2013)
|
2019/02/15
|
|
Mali
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2009/10/23
|
|
Malta
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2012/05/22
|
|
Marshall Islands
|
b. No
|
No provisions in Local Government Act, as amended.
Source:
Local Government Act, as amended. http://rmiparliament.org/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1975/1975-0004/LocalGovernmentAct1980_1.pdf
|
2023/10/12
|
|
Mauritania
|
c. No information available
|
|
2024/10/28
|
|
Mauritius
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2012/02/25
|
|
Mexico
|
a. Yes
|
Mexico is a federal State where each of its have adopted direct democracy instruments for their own jurisdictions.
Source:
Constitution: "Constitución Política de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos", art. 41 (V [Apartado C]): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/MX/mexico-constitucion-2024/ ;
Referendum Law: "Ley Federal de Consulta Popular", arts. 5: 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/ ;
Constitutions and electoral legal frameworks of Mexico’s 32 states.
|
2024/04/12
|
|
Micronesia, Federated States of
|
c. No information available
|
|
2025/03/28
|
|
Moldova, Republic of
|
c. No information available
|
b) There are no legal provisions in this regard. However, local referenda are held on an ad hoc basis. For instance, according to Statistics Norway, 13 local referenda were held in 2011.
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm (2012);
Official Website of Statistics Norway: http://www.ssb.no/folkavs_kostra_en/ (2012)
|
2021/03/30
|
|
Monaco
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution
|
2012/04/27
|
|
Mongolia
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Constitution, Art. 25 (1.16), 66, 68: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Mongolia_2001?lang=en (2017)
|
2020/02/17
|
|
Montenegro
|
a. Yes
|
Constitution: Article 113: In the local self-government the decisions shall be made directly and through the freely elected representatives.
Law: Article 2: (2) Referendum in a municipality, the capital city of the Republic i.e. the administrative center shall be called for the purpose of a prior pronouncement of citizens on specific issues lying within the competence of the municipal assembly.
Source:
Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Montenegro, SU-SK Ref. no. 01-514/12, 19 October 2007, art. 113(1).
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Montenegro_2013?lang=en
Law: Law on Referendum as of 19 February 2001, art. 2(2).
https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL(2005)076-e
|
2021/12/25
|
|
Morocco
|
a. Yes
|
Article 139(b): The citizens [feminine] and the citizens [masculine] and the associations can exercise the right of petition with a view of demanding the inclusion [inscription] in the agenda of the Council, a question relevant to its competence.
Source:
Morocco's Constitution of 2011, Article 139: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Morocco_2011.pdf
|
2022/08/02
|
|
Mozambique
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: http://www.portaldogoverno.gov.mz/Legisla/constituicao_republica/constituicao.pdf (2013)
|
2013/04/15
|
|
Namibia
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2012/06/12
|
|
Nauru
|
c. No information available
|
No provisions for direct democracy in national electoral laws or Constitution.
Source:
Constitution; Electoral Act 2016.
|
2019/07/11
|
|
Nepal
|
c. No information available
|
|
2018/04/06
|
|
Netherlands
|
d. Not applicable
|
Three provinces (out of a total of 12) currently have legislation that provide for referenda. Only 41 out of 408 local authorities / municipalities have local legislation on referendums. The referendum regulations of the municipality of Halderberge are cited here as an example. All local authorities have provisions for agenda initiatives.
Source:
Referendum Regulation for the Province of Limburg: http://www.limburg.nl/dsresource?objectid=21795&type=org&highlight=Referendumverordening; Referendum Regulation for the Province of North Holland: http://decentrale.regelgeving.overheid.nl/cvdr/XHTMLoutput/Actueel/Noord-Holland/83192.html; Referendum Regulation ofr the Province of Friesland: http://www.fryslan.nl/8154/referendumverordening-fryslan-2005/; Regulation on the Consultative Referendum: http://decentrale.regelgeving.overheid.nl/cvdr/xhtmloutput/Historie/Halderberge/31687/31687_1.htm
|
2022/08/02
|
|
New Zealand
|
b. No
|
No, but the Local Government Act of 2002 does provide a legal framework for consultation with persons effected by any decision or other matter taken by a local authority.
Source:
Elections New Zealand Official Website: http://www.elections.org.nz/voting-system/referenda (2017) ;
Local Government Act of 2002 Sections 82-27:
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2002/0084/latest/DLM170873.html?search=qs_act%40bill%40regulation%40deemedreg_local+government+act_resel_25_h&p=1&sr=1
|
2024/09/04
|
|
Nicaragua
|
c. No information available
|
|
2016/06/07
|
|
Niger
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of 25 November 2010 with its amendments: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Niger_2010.pdf (2016);
Ordinance No. 2010-96 of 28 December 2010 establishing the Electoral Code: http://www.electionpassport.com/files/Niger-Electoral-Code-2010.pdf (2016)
|
2016/05/04
|
|
Nigeria
|
a. Yes
|
A member of the House of Assembly may be recalled as such a member if there is presented to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission a petition in that behalf signed by more than one-half of the persons registered to vote in that member's constituency alleging their loss of confidence in that member and the petition is thereafter, in a referendum conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission within ninety days of the date of the receipt of the petition, approved by a simple majority of the votes of the persons registered to vote in that member's constituency.
A member of an Area Council may be recalled as a member if there is presented to the Chairman of the Commission a petition in that behalf signed by not less than one-half of the persons registered to vote in that member’s constituency alleging their loss of confidence in that member and which signatures are duly verified by the Independent National Electoral Commission and the petition is thereafter approved in a referendum conducted by the
Commission within 90 days of the date of the receipt of the petition by a simple majority of the votes of the persons registered to vote in that member’s constituency.
Source:
Constitution 1999 (as amended), art. 110: http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?file_id=179202 (2013);
Electoral Act 2010, art. 116: http://www.inecnigeria.org/downloads/?did=5 (2013)
|
2015/03/30
|
|
Niue
|
b. No
|
No provisions for direct democracy at the local level.
Source:
Constitution; Village Councils Act 1967, as amended.
|
2014/06/23
|
|
Northern Mariana Islands
|
b. No
|
|
2024/12/11
|
|
Norway
|
b. No
|
b) There are no legal provisions in this regard. However, local referenda are held on an ad hoc basis. For instance, according to Statistics Norway, 13 local referenda were held in 2011.
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm (2012);
Official Website of Statistics Norway: http://www.ssb.no/folkavs_kostra_en/ (2012)
|
2012/05/22
|
|
Oman
|
b. No
|
Source:
Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011.pdf?lang=en
|
2025/05/12
|
|
Pakistan
|
b. No
|
Ther are no Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at the sub-national levels.
Source:
International IDEA Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=169&database_theme=309
|
2024/02/07
|
|
Palau
|
c. No information available
|
|
2016/11/09
|
|
Palestine
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Palestinian Basic Law: http://www.osservatorioiraq.it/sites/default/files/Palestinian%20Basic%20Law%20with%20Amendements%20-%20english.pdf (2013)
|
2013/04/09
|
|
Panama
|
a. Yes
|
The merging of municipalities, municipal citizen initiatives and referendums, and recall of municipal authorities.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”, art. 151, 238, 239: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 498–508: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
Official Website of the Electoral Tribunal: http://www.tribunal-electoral.gob.pa/html/index.php?id=73
|
2024/12/05
|
|
Papua New Guinea
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Organic Law on National and Local-level Government Elections (1997)
http://www.paclii.org/pg/legis/consol_act/olonalge519/
|
2017/03/16
|
|
Paraguay
|
b. No
|
Source:
Electoral Law: Código Electoral Paraguayo (Ley 834/96), art. 259-275:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PY/paraguay-codigo-electoral-2014/ (2014)
|
2023/03/16
|
|
Peru
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution as amended by Law N° 29402 of 2011, art. 190: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PE/constitucion/peru-constitucion-politica-2011/ (2016);
Law Nº 26300 on Political participation and control rights of the citizens:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PE/peru-ley-de-los-derechos-de-participacion-y/ (2016)
|
2016/02/18
|
|
Philippines
|
a. Yes
|
Constitution, Art. X, Sec. 3: The Congress shall enact a local government code which shall provide for a more responsive and accountable local government structure instituted through a system of decentralization with effective mechanisms of recall, initiative, and referendum, allocate among the different local government units their powers, responsibilities, and resources, and provide for the qualifications, election, appointment and removal, term, salaries, powers and functions and duties of local officials, and all other matters relating to the organization and operation of the local units.
Source:
Constitution, Art. X, Sec. 3: http://www.gov.ph/constitutions/1987-constitution/ (2016);
Republic Act No. 6735 "The Initiative and Referendum Act": http://www.comelec.gov.ph/?r=References/RelatedLaws/ElectionLaws/OtherElectionLaws/RA6735 (2016)
|
2016/05/12
|
|
Poland
|
a. Yes
|
Members of a self-governing community may decide, by means of a referendum, matters concerning their community, including the dismissal of an organ of local government established by direct election. The principles of and procedures for conducting a local referendum shall be specified by statute.
Source:
The Constitution of the Republic of Poland of 2nd April, 1997, as amended in 2009, article 170: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Poland_2009
|
2024/11/13
|
|
Portugal
|
a. Yes
|
Article 240:
1. In the cases, under the terms and with the efficacy laid down by law, local authorities may submit matters that are included in the competences of their organs to referendum the respective registered electors. 2) The law may attribute the right to initiate referenda to registered electors.
Source:
Constitution of the Portuguese Republic, Seventh Revision [2005], Article 240:
https://www.parlamento.pt/sites/EN/Parliament/Documents/Constitution7th.pdf
|
2024/10/10
|
|
Puerto Rico
|
b. No
|
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. 11.001–11.010: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/
|
2020/11/03
|
|
Qatar
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution, art. 75: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=181&database_theme=309
|
2025/05/08
|
|
Romania
|
c. No information available
|
|
2014/10/29
|
|
Russian Federation
|
a. Yes
|
Article 130: 2. Local self-government shall be exercised by citizens through a referendum, election, other forms of direct expression of the will of the people, through elected and other bodies of local self-government.
Source:
The Constitution of the Russian Federation, amended as of 9 June 2001, art. 130(2): http://www.constitution.ru/index.htm
|
2024/03/29
|
|
Rwanda
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution (2015): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/RW/rwanda-constitution-versions-francaise-et-anglaise/
|
2018/11/02
|
|
Saint Kitts and Nevis
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2020/04/26
|
|
Saint Lucia
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2009/10/26
|
|
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
|
b. No
|
Source:
St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Electoral Law
|
2021/12/27
|
|
Samoa
|
c. No information available
|
|
2021/04/10
|
|
San Marino
|
c. No information available
|
|
2012/05/28
|
|
Sao Tome and Principe
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Constitution, Art. 123(2): http://www.gov.st/data/filestorage/docs/constistp.pdf (2016)
|
2016/06/28
|
|
Saudi Arabia
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
The Basic Law of Governance: http://www.boe.gov.sa/ViewSystemDetails.aspx?lang=en&SystemID=4 (2012)
|
2012/08/20
|
|
Senegal
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution 2012: http://www.assemblee-nationale.sn/images/stories/PDF/constitution_du_senegal.pdf (2013)
English: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Senegal_2009?lang=en (2017)
|
2017/03/22
|
|
Serbia
|
a. Yes
|
Article 182
Territory of autonomous provinces and the terms under which borders between autonomous provinces may be altered shall be regulated by the Law. Territory of autonomous provinces may not be altered without the consent of its citizens given in a referendum, in accordance with the Law.
Article 188
Establishment, revocation or alteration of the territory of a local self-government unit shall be preceded by a referendum on the territory of that local self-government unit.
Source:
Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Serbia, art. 182, 188.
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Serbia_2006#s460
|
2017/03/15
|
|
Seychelles
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Seychelles (2011)
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/SC/seychelles-constitution-2011/view
|
2025/03/03
|
|
Sierra Leone
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution (2008): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/SL/sierra-leone-constitution-2008/
|
2017/01/16
|
|
Singapore
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Singapore: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Singapore_2010?lang=en (2017)
|
2017/03/24
|
|
Slovakia
|
a. Yes
|
Table 8.4. Frequency of usage of direct democracy mechanisms at the national
level in Europe
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook. Page 186: https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook.pdf
|
2024/10/25
|
|
Slovenia
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2017/03/30
|
|
Solomon Islands
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Constitution of 1978,amended 2014: https://constituteproject.org/constitution/Solomon_Islands_2014.pdf?lang=en.(2019)
|
2019/03/01
|
|
Somalia
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Transitional Constitution of 2012:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/SO/somalia-provisional-constitution-of-2012/view
|
2016/11/25
|
|
South Africa
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2014/05/01
|
|
South Sudan
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Transitional Constitution 2011: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/4e269a3e2.html%C2%A0 (2012)
|
2021/06/02
|
|
Spain
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Junta Electoral Central Official Website: http://www.juntaelectoralcentral.es/portal/page/portal/JuntaElectoralCentral/JuntaElectoralCentral/Referendos/Autonomico (2012)
|
2025/04/24
|
|
Sri Lanka
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2016/02/15
|
|
Sudan
|
a. Yes
|
The people of Southern Sudan shall have the right to self-determination through a referendum to determine their future status.
Simultaneously with the referendum for southern Sudan, the residents of Abyei Area shall vote in a separate referendum, which shall present the residents of Abyei Area, irrespective of the results of the Southern Sudan Referendum, with the following choices:-
(a) that Abyei Area retain its special administrative status in the north,
(b) that Abyei Area be part of Bahr el Ghazal.
Source:
The Interim National Constitution of 2005, art. 183 (3), 219, 220, 221: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/4ba749762.html (2012)
|
2012/09/04
|
|
Suriname
|
b. No
|
There are no legal provisions in this regard.
Source:
Constitution: http://pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/Suriname/english.html (2012)
|
2025/03/28
|
|
Swaziland
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2012/06/12
|
|
Sweden
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm (2012);
Fact sheet on referenda provided by the Information Department of the Riksdag: www.riksdagen.se/.../Faktablad_E14.pdf (2012)
|
2014/08/04
|
|
Switzerland
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 Regulating political rights, Art. 67, 67a, 67b: http://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19760323/index.html (2014)
|
2025/03/28
|
|
Syrian Arab Republic
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2014/06/03
|
|
Taiwan
|
c. No information available
|
|
2020/04/13
|
|
Tajikistan
|
b. No
|
|
2025/02/18
|
|
Tanzania, United Republic of
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: http://www.tz.undp.org/ESP/docs/Legal_Documents/Tanzania_Constitution.pdf (2013)
|
2013/03/13
|
|
Thailand
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Thailand_2017
|
2023/10/11
|
|
Timor-Leste
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste: https://timor-leste.gov.tl/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Constitution_RDTL_ENG.pdf
|
2024/11/14
|
|
Togo
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country,LEGAL,,LEGISLATION,TGO,456d621e2,48ef43c72,0.html (2013)
|
2013/01/10
|
|
Tonga
|
c. No information available
|
|
2021/09/15
|
|
Trinidad and Tobago
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-constitution-2016/ ;
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TT/trinidad-and-tobago-rop-2016/
|
2020/08/22
|
|
Tunisia
|
b. No
|
Source:
The Constitution of 26 January 2014: 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).
|
2014/10/23
|
|
Turkey
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook, 2008: http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2015/06/01
|
|
Turkmenistan
|
a. Yes
|
Local referendums can be carried out for decision of major questions of state and public life.
The right to conduct local referendum belongs to Gengesh on its territory, or
at the suggestion of no less than one quarter of voters residing in that territory.
Source:
Constitution of Turkmenistan (2008), art. 94 (1), 96: http://www.legislationline.org/documents/section/constitutions/country/51 (2013);
Law on Referendum of Turkmenistan (1993), art. 1, 5 & 10
|
2013/03/06
|
|
Turks and Caicos Islands
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: “The Constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TC/turks-and-caicos-constitution-2014/ ;
Final Report of the Electoral Observation Mission conducted by the British Islands and Mediterranean Region (BIMR) of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA UK) between 8th and 18th December 2016: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TC/turks-and-caicos-cpa-uk-bimr-eom-final-report-2016/
|
2020/10/08
|
|
Tuvalu
|
b. No
|
There are no provisions for direct democracy at sub-national levels.
Source:
Constitution; Falekaupule Act as amended; Kaupule (Elections) Regulations as amended.
|
2012/06/20
|
|
Uganda
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, art. 255 (1-a): http://www.ec.or.ug/docs/Constitution_1995.pdf (2016)
|
2016/02/08
|
|
Ukraine
|
a. Yes
|
Territorial communities of a village, settlement, and city, directly or through the local self-government bodies established by them, shall ensure holding of local referendums and implementation of their results.
Source:
Constitution, (latest amended 2016) art. 38, 143:
https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/en/254%D0%BA/96-%D0%B2%D1%80
|
2019/03/12
|
|
United Arab Emirates
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/United_Arab_Emirates_2009?lang=en
|
2019/09/25
|
|
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008)
http://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook.pdf
Local Government Act 2000. Part II
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/22/contents
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/22/part/II/crossheading/referendums
|
2025/06/30
|
|
United States of America
|
a. Yes
|
Some states have provisions for direct democracy at the state-level.
Source:
https://ballotpedia.org/Forms_of_direct_democracy_in_the_American_states
|
2020/10/21
|
|
Uruguay
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution: Constitución de la República de Uruguay, art. 304, 305, https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/UY/uruguay-constitucion-de-la-republica-2004-vigente/view (2004).
|
2024/12/19
|
|
Uzbekistan
|
a. Yes
|
The Republic of Karakalpakstan shall have the right to secede from the Republic of Uzbekistan on the basis of a nation-wide referendum held by the people of Karakalpakstan.
Source:
The Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Article 89: https://constitution.uz/en/clause/index
|
2024/08/26
|
|
Vanuatu
|
c. No information available
|
|
2016/01/27
|
|
Venezuela
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela”, arts. 71, 206: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/VE/venezuela-constitucion-reforma-2009/ ;
Organic Law on Municipal Authorities (Ley Orgánica del Poder Público Municipal) (2015), art. 10, 15, 22, 259 (8), 274: http://www.cne.gob.ve/web/normativa_electoral/ley_organica_regimen_municipal/indice.php
|
2020/11/15
|
|
Viet Nam
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Constitution of 1992 as amended:
http://www.moj.gov.vn/vbpq/en/Lists/Vn%20bn%20php%20lut/View_Detail.aspx?ItemID=10450 (2016)
|
2021/03/25
|
|
Virgin Islands, British
|
c. No information available
|
|
2019/03/05
|
|
Virgin Islands, U.S.
|
c. No information available
|
|
2009/08/14
|
|
Western Sahara
|
c. No information available
|
|
2009/08/14
|
|
Yemen
|
c. No information available
|
|
2012/08/22
|
|
Zambia
|
b. No
|
Source:
Electoral Law: Referendum Act (Chapter 14).
http://www.parliament.gov.zm/sites/default/files/documents/acts/Referendum%20Act.pdf (2016)
|
2016/06/28
|
|
Zanzibar
|
c. No information available
|
|
2016/04/05
|
|
Zimbabwe
|
c. No information available
|
|
2023/09/25
|
