|
total countries/territories: 217
|
|---|
| Country/Territory |
Answers |
Comments |
Verified |
|
Afghanistan
|
c. No information available
|
|
2019/09/24
|
|
Albania
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
The Constitution of the Republic of Albania, art. 81, 150 et seq.
|
2017/05/19
|
|
Algeria
|
c. No information available
|
No provisions in the Constitution
Source:
Constitution: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Algeria_2008?lang=en (2017)
|
2019/09/25
|
|
American Samoa
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Filivaa M. Mageo, Deputy Director of Elections, Territorial Election Office
|
2017/08/18
|
|
Andorra
|
b. No
|
Source:
IDEA International Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/42/45
|
2023/06/09
|
|
Angola
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of 3 February 2010 Article: 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
|
b. No
|
Source:
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008), (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
|
2009/08/20
|
|
Argentina
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución de la Nación Argentina — Ley 24430, texto oficial ordenado”, art. 39: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AR/argentina-constitucion-nacional-reformas-1994/ (2019)
|
2021/12/26
|
|
Armenia
|
b. No
|
Source:
Law on Referendum of the Republic of Armenia (2001): http://res.elections.am/images/doc/hanraqve_eng.pdf (2013);
Constitution of the Republic of Armenia: 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
|
b. No
|
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
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2012/05/29
|
|
Azerbaijan
|
b. No
|
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)
http://laws.bahamas.gov.bs/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1977/1977-0016/ConstitutionalReferendumAct_1.pdf
|
2017/03/27
|
|
Bahrain
|
b. No
|
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
|
|
Barbados
|
b. No
|
Source:
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook" (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
|
2009/08/21
|
|
Belarus
|
a. Yes
|
In case an initiative to hold the republican referendum is put forward by the citizens, they form a group for holding the referendum (hereinafter referred to as the «initiative group»), which includes not less than 100 citizens, enjoying voting right, from each region and the City of Minsk on the basis of approximately equal representation.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitution of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 74: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-constitution-2021-english/ ;
Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 114: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/ ;
International IDEA – Direct Democracy database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/72/45
|
2023/09/13
|
|
Belgium
|
b. No
|
Source:
"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/catalogue/direct-democracy-international-idea-handbook);
The Belgian Constitution
|
2019/04/25
|
|
Belize
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: “Belize Constitution, Chapter 4”, Section 68: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-constitution-2022/ ;
Referendum Law: “Referendum Act, Chapter 10”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-referendum-act-2020/ ;
International IDEA Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=23&database_theme=309
|
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:
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=26&database_theme=309
Constitution of Bhutan: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Bhutan_2008
|
2024/08/27
|
|
Bolivia
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution; "Constitución Política del Estado", http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BO/bolivia-constitucion-politica-del-estado-vigente/ (2019).
|
2024/12/10
|
|
Bosnia and Herzegovina
|
a. Yes
|
The level of applicability of this laws might be disputable. The law was adopted when Bosnia and Herzegovina was a federal unit of Socialistic Federative Republic of Yugoslavia, which means that the scope and aims of referendum were adjusted to that system. However, the existing Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, signed as a part of the Dayton Peace Agreement, prescribes in its Annex 2, point 2 ("Continuation of Laws") that "All laws, regulations, and judicial rules of procedure in effect within the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina when the Constitution enters into force shall remain in effect to the extent not inconsistent with the Constitution, until otherwise determined by a competent governmental body of Bosnia and Herzegovina". Even though the law was created in the old, socialistic system, it does not contain any obvious and clear inconsistencies with the Constitution and therefore - it should be valid.
According to the Rules of Procedure of the House of Representatives, "citizens may submit an initiative for amendments and/or amendments to the law proposers"
Source:
Law on Proceedings with Petitions and Proposals Off. Gazette 33/77, 12/87 and 27/90; Rules of Procedures of House of Representatives in the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, art. 104 sec. 3.
"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 has legal provisions for citizen's initiatives at the national level.
Article 14. Popular sovereignty shall be exercised through universal suffrage and direct, secret voting, with equal value for all, and, in accordance with the law, by means of:
III – popular initiative.
Article 27.
§ 4. The law shall provide for the popular initiative in the state legislative process.
Article 29.
XIII – popular initiative for bills of specific interest to the municipality, city, or neighborhoods, through the expression of support from at least five percent of the electorate;
Article 61.
§ 2. The popular initiative may be exercised by presenting to the Chamber of Deputies a bill signed by at least one percent of the national electorate, distributed across at least five states, with no less than three-tenths of one percent of voters in each state.
Source:
Constitution of the Federative Republic of Brazil, 1988, Article 14, 18 (3, 4), 27 (4), 29 (XIII), 49 (XV), 61 (2): https://www.tse.jus.br/legislacao/codigo-eleitoral/constituicao-federal/constituicao-da-republica-federativa-do-brasil
Plebiscites and Referendums:
http://www.tse.jus.br/eleicoes/plebiscitos-e-referendos/plebiscito-e-referendo
Law No. 9,709, of November 18, 1998:
https://www.planalto.gov.br/Ccivil_03/leis/L9709.htm
|
2024/10/24
|
|
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
|
c. No information available
|
|
2014/10/03
|
|
Burkina Faso
|
a. Yes
|
The initiative of the revision of the Constitution belongs concurrently:
• to the President of Faso;
• to the members of the Parliament by the majority of each of the Chambers;
• to the people when a fraction of at least thirty thousand (30,000) persons having the right to vote, introduces before the National Assembly a petition constituting a proposal, written and signed.
Source:
Constitution as amended in 2015, art. 161: http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/fr/bf/bf017fr.pdf (2015)
|
2015/12/04
|
|
Burma (Myanmar)
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of Myanmar: http://burmacampaign.org.uk/media/Constitution-1.pdf (2015).
|
2015/11/20
|
|
Burundi
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: https://acbc.iom.int/sites/g/files/tmzbdl441/files/Legislation/Countries%20legislations/BURUNDI/Constitution%20of%20Burundi%20of%20_2018_compressed.pdf
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
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution. https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CM/cameroon-constitution-of-cameroon-2008
|
2018/11/07
|
|
Canada
|
b. No
|
Source:
International Idea (2008):"Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm).
|
2025/03/28
|
|
Cape Verde
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010: 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”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/KY/cayman-islands-constitution-2009/ ;
|
2021/12/13
|
|
Central African Republic
|
b. No
|
Source:
Electoral Law N° 09.016, Art. 136 - 151: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Centrafrique/CODE_ELECTORAL-RCA-2-octobre-2010.pdf (2016);
Constitution, Art. 19, 28, 69, 70, 107: http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/fr/text.jsp?file_id=193706 (2016)
|
2021/04/19
|
|
Chad
|
b. No
|
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
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Chile (2017)”, art. 128 & 129:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-de-1/
|
2025/03/27
|
|
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
|
b. No
|
There are no provisions in Australia for
citizens’ or agenda initiatives, or for the recall of elected officials.
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
|
2019/07/11
|
|
Colombia
|
b. No
|
|
2024/12/13
|
|
Comoros
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Constitution: http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/com128670.pdf (2016)
|
2025/09/30
|
|
Congo (Brazzaville)
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: http://www.presidence.cg/files/my_files/constit200102.pdf (2017);
Election law of 24 November 2001: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CG/congo-brazzaville-electoral-law-2001/view (2017)
Election law of 24 November 2001, Amended 2016
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
|
a. Yes
|
100,000 citizens can submit to one of the two parliamentary chambers a request for constitutional amendment.
Source:
Constitution de la RDC (2011) Art. 218:http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rdc-constitution-2011/
|
2016/11/30
|
|
Cook Islands
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service – Ministry of Justice
|
2015/11/06
|
|
Costa Rica
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 123: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/; Citizens' Initiative Law: "Ley de iniciativa popular": http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8491-de-iniciativa-popular.pdf/; Regulations for Citizens' Initiative: "Reglamento para la iniciativa popular": http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-decreto-04-2007-reglamento-iniciativa-popular.pdf/
|
2018/01/24
|
|
Croatia
|
a. Yes
|
"The Croatian Parliament shall call a referendum upon the issues from sections 1 and 2 of this Article when so demanded by ten percent of all voters in the Republic of Croatia".
Source:
Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Croatia as revised on 06 July 2010, Art. 87 (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. 164 & 227: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CU/cuba-constitucion-2019-ace/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley No. 127, Ley Electoral”, art. 2: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CU/cuba-ley-electoral-127-2019-ace/
|
2023/09/12
|
|
Cyprus
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of Cyprus 1960 (rev. 2013)
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Cyprus_2013?lang=en
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/90/45
|
2024/10/25
|
|
Cyprus (North)
|
b. No
|
Every person shall have the right to make written applications, either individually or jointly with others, to the competent authorities concerning requests and complaints relating to themselves or to the public in general, and to expect that such applications are considered and decided upon expeditiously.
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Constitution, Art. 76
|
2012/06/07
|
|
Czech Republic
|
b. No
|
--while no formal legislation on citizens' initiatives, citizens do have the right to petition... Other EU member states have more outline procedures on Citizens' Initiatives--
Article 18: 1. The right of petition is guaranteed; in matters of public or other communal interest, everyone has the right, on her own or together with other individuals, to address state bodies or territorial self-governing bodies with requests, proposals, or complaints.
Source:
Constitution of the Czech Republic (Article 18)
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en
The European Citizens' Initiative?
http://ec.europa.eu/citizens-initiative/public/faq#q1
|
2018/03/02
|
|
Côte d'Ivoire
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: http://cndj.ci/constitution.htm (2012)
|
2012/12/17
|
|
Denmark
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2019/05/27
|
|
Djibouti
|
b. No
|
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)
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/93/45
|
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
|
Bills can be submitted to the National Congress by at least 2% of citizens registered in the Electoral Roll.
Source:
Constitución: Constitución de la República Dominicana (2015) art. 22 (2,3), 97: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DO/republica-dominicana-constitucion-politica-2015/ (2020)
|
2020/02/05
|
|
Ecuador
|
b. No
|
The law foresees citizen initiatives for the creation, amendment or repeal of legal regulations before the Legislative Branch of Government or any other legislative body. It must be backed by, at least, 0.25% of those registered in the electoral roll of the corresponding jurisdiction.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República del Ecuador”, art. 61 (3), 103, 104, 134 (5), 420, 441 (2), 442: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ; Direct Democracy Law: “Ley Orgánica de Participación Ciudadana” art. 6-18: 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, revised 2019: http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
|
2025/09/30
|
|
El Salvador
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 133: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/
|
2024/12/19
|
|
Equatorial Guinea
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution as amended by referendum of 23 November 2011
|
2012/10/03
|
|
Estonia
|
b. No
|
§ 103. The right to initiate a Bill rests with the following:
1) a member of the Riigikogu;
2) a political group of the Riigikogu;
3) a committee of the Riigikogu;
4) the Government of the Republic;
5) the President, when proposing amendments to the Constitution.
The Riigikogu is entitled, on the basis of a resolution carried by a majority of the members, to address a recommendation to the Government of the Republic to initiate a Bill desired by the Riigikogu
Source:
Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia with latest amendment on 6 May 2015, § 103
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
|
2019/02/20
|
|
Ethiopia
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution, art. 39 (4 - b,c), 47 (3 - b,c,e);
Electoral Law as amended by Proclamation No. 532/2007, art. 32: 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).
International IDEA Direct Democracy Database
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/106/45
|
2018/04/20
|
|
Finland
|
a. Yes
|
At least fifty thousand Finnish citizens entitled to vote have the right to submit an initiative for the enactment of an Act to the Parliament, as provided by an Act.
Source:
Constitution, Section 53: http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/kaannokset/1999/en19990731.pdf (2012)
|
2019/04/02
|
|
France
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution, Art. 3, 11, 60, 88-5, 89;
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/France_2008?lang=en
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2020/06/20
|
|
Gabon
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution (as amended in 2011), art. 2, 18, 114, 116
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gabon_1997?lang=en (2017)
|
2017/03/24
|
|
Gambia
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gambia_2004?lang=en (2017)
|
2017/03/21
|
|
Georgia
|
a. Yes
|
If not less than 200,000 electors request it, the President of Georgia can hold a referendum at the national level.
If the initiative to hold a referendum comes from the voters, an initiative group must be established. The group must provide each member’s first name, last name, place of residence, and contact phone number. The initiative group is responsible for clearly and specifically formulating the issues proposed for the referendum. The group must then apply to the Central Election Commission to register the proposed issue for the referendum.
Source:
Constitution of Georgia, art. 52:
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Georgia_2018?lang=en
The Election Code of Georgia, art. 175:
https://matsne.gov.ge/en/document/view/1557168?publication=90
|
2024/07/24
|
|
Germany
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Constitution
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/German_Federal_Republic_2014?lang=en
|
2017/03/31
|
|
Ghana
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (1996):
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
|
Source:
3 Guam Code Ch. 16 Article 2:
http://www.guamcourts.org/CompilerofLaws/GCA/03gca/3gc016.PDF
|
2020/10/28
|
|
Guatemala
|
b. No
|
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 ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
|
2023/05/29
|
|
Guinea
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution (2010): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GN/guinea-constitution-2010-english-version/view
|
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)
|
b. No
|
|
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
|
In national popular initiatives the provisions of Act C of 1997 on Electoral Procedure shall apply.
Source:
Electoral Law: Act C of 1997 on Electoral Procedure, Chapter XIV, National Popular initiative, §131;
Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Section 349(1c): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468.
|
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
|
b. No
|
Source:
IDEA: Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=105&database_theme=309
IFES: "Duality By Design: The Iranian Electoral System" (2011). Electoral Management Bodies https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/14620_2_R_Duality_by_Design__The_Iranian_Electoral_System_Yasmin_Alem.pdf
|
2024/11/19
|
|
Iraq
|
b. No
|
Source:
Iraqi Constitution, Articles 126 (2, 3, 4,), 131, & 142 (3, 4): 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
Constitution: https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/cons/en/html
|
2024/11/21
|
|
Israel
|
b. No
|
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
|
When requested by 500,000 voters or by five regional councils, a popular referendum decides on total or partial repeal of a law or other legal binding acts.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 75
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Italy_2012?lang=en
|
2020/07/18
|
|
Japan
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008): https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook_0.pdf
|
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
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: http://www.kinghussein.gov.jo/constitution_jo.html (2012)
|
2016/08/05
|
|
Kazakhstan
|
a. Yes
|
No less than two hundred thousand citizens of the Republic who have the right to participate in a republican referendum, in quantitative terms equally representing all regions, the capital of the Republic and cities of republican significance can initiate the republican referendum.
Source:
Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the Republican Referendum (dated May 1999), Article 11:
https://www.election.gov.kz/eng/election-legal-framework/on-the-republican-referendum.php
|
2024/10/24
|
|
Kenya
|
a. Yes
|
an Amendment to the Constitution may be proposed by a popular initiative signed by at least 1 million registered voters.
Source:
The Constitution of Kenya Article 257
|
2017/07/07
|
|
Kiribati
|
a. Yes
|
If the Speaker receives a petition calling for the removal of an elected member of the Maneaba ni Maungatabu signed by a majority of the persons who were registered as electors, at the time of the last election of that member, in the electoral district from which that member was last elected, he shall send the petition forthwith to the Electoral Commission. The Electoral Commission shall, as soon as practicable after receipt of a petition under the preceding subsection, conduct a referendum to determine whether the member named in the petition should vacate his seat in the Maneaba.
Source:
Constitution of Kiribati, Art 59: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) https://www.idea.int/publications/catalogue/direct-democracy-international-idea-handbook?lang=en
|
2024/11/26
|
|
Korea, Republic of
|
b. No
|
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
|
a. Yes
|
Each citizen or a group of citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic enjoying the right for participation in the
referendum may form the group “for” comprising not fewer than 10 people in order to collect signatures
in support of the initiative to conduct the referendum.
Amendments and additions to the provisions of sections 1, 2 and 5 of the Constitution may
be adopted at the initiative of at least 300,000 voters or the President or two-thirds of the total
number of deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh at a referendum called by the President.
Source:
Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic (2021), art. 116: https://constsot.kg/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/constitution-of-the-kyrgyz-republic.pdf
Constitutional Law on Referendum in Kyrgyz Republic 2016(amended in 2019), art. 11: https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/d2/KYRG_Const%20Law%20on%20Referendum.pdf
|
2025/05/07
|
|
Lao People's Democratic Republic
|
a. Yes
|
Lao citizens have the right to lodge complaints and petitions and to propose ideas to the relevant State organisations in connection with issues pertaining to the public interest or to their own rights and interests.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 41: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view
|
2021/02/28
|
|
Latvia
|
a. Yes
|
Article 2: All citizens of Latvia who are eligible to vote in the Saeima elections may participate in national referendums and in initiating legislation.
Source:
Law: Law on National Referendum and Initiation of Legislation as amended till 26 February 2009, art. 2, ch. 4.
|
2014/10/09
|
|
Lebanon
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=124&database_theme=309
|
2024/11/20
|
|
Lesotho
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008)
|
2017/07/19
|
|
Liberia
|
a. Yes
|
The Constitution may be amended whenever a proposal by either (1) two-thirds of the membership of both Houses of the Legislature or (2) a petition submitted to the Legislature, by not fewer than 10,000 citizens which receives the concurrence of two-thirds of the membership of both Houses of the Legislature, is ratified by two-thirds of the registered voters, voting in a referendum conducted by the Elections Commission not sooner than one year after the action of the Legislature.
Source:
The 1986 Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, Art. 91 & 92, http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/LR/liberia-amended-electoral-laws-2014/view
|
2024/10/25
|
|
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
|
b. No
|
Choose a constitutive body for the formulation of a draft constitution called the committee for the elaboration of the constitution which shall present a draft constitution to the Congress within a period not exceeding sixty days following its first meeting. The draft constitution shall be approved by the National General Congress and be submitted to a yes-or-no referendum within thirty days following its adoption by Congress. If the Libyan people approve the constitution by a two-thirds-majority of voters, the committee shall certify the text as the constitution of the country and it shall be promulgated by Congress.
Source:
The Constitutional Declaration, Art. 30. (National Transitional Council of Libya): https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Libya_2011
|
2024/11/25
|
|
Liechtenstein
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution of the Principality of Liechtenstein [2014], Articles 64, 65(2), 66, 66bis, 112, and 113.
https://www.llv.li/files/rdr/Verfassung-E-01-02-2014.pdf
|
2022/08/02
|
|
Lithuania
|
a. Yes
|
Article 4:
(2) Mandatory referendums may be held also with regard to other laws or provisions thereof, which 300 thousand citizens having the right to vote or the Seimas shall submit a proposal for to be decided by means of a referendum.
Article 5:
Consultative (deliberative) referendums may be held with respect to other issues of utmost importance to the State and the People, regarding which it is not necessary to hold a mandatory referendum, they are being proposed for a referendum by 300 thousand citizens having the right to vote or the Seimas.
Source:
Republic of Lithuania, Law on Referendum (4 June 2002, As last amended on 6 May 2014 — No XII-860), art. 4 (2), 5
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/7b65c002233a11e6acbed8d454428fb7?jfwid=nz8qn8fey
|
2020/06/05
|
|
Luxembourg
|
a. Yes
|
Any revision of the Constitution must be adopted in the same terms by the Chamber of Deputies in two successive votes, separated by an interval of at least three months.
No revision will be adopted if it has not obtained at least two-thirds of the votes of the members of the Chamber; votes by proxy will not be admitted.
The text adopted in the first reading by the Chamber of Deputies is submitted to a referendum, which substitutes for the second vote of the Chamber, if in the two months following the first vote demand for it is made, either by more than a quarter of the members of the Chamber, or by twenty-five thousand electors inscribed in the electoral lists for legislative elections. The revision can only be adopted if it receives the majority of the valid suffrage expressed. The law governs the modalities of organization of the referendum.
Source:
Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=130&database_theme=309
Constitution, Art. 114: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Luxembourg_2009
|
2024/11/21
|
|
Macedonia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of
|
a. Yes
|
Constitution:
Article 73:
The Assembly is obliged to issue notice of a referendum if one is proposed by at least 150,000 voters.
Law on Referendum:
(1) Citizens’ initiative shall be a form of direct vote of the citizens when deciding by raising initiatives
with the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, the councils of the municipalities, the City of
Skopje and the municipalities in the city of Skopje.
(2) Citizens’ initiative may be started for submitting a proposal on amending the Constitution of the
Republic of Macedonia (hereinafter: the Constitution), proposal on adopting law and initiation of a
referendum at state level (hereinafter: citizen’s initiative at state level).
(3) Citizens’ initiative may be started even for adopting particular regulation of the municipalities,
the City of Skopje and the municipalities of the city of Skopje for settling particular issues within the
competence of the councils of the municipalities, the City of Skopje and the municipalities of the city
of Skopje and for scheduling a referendum at local level (hereinafter: citizens’ initiative at local
level).
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia, art. 73.
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. 3:
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
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2012/06/12
|
|
Malaysia
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: http://confinder.richmond.edu/admin/docs/malaysia.pdf (2013)
|
2013/03/21
|
|
Maldives
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution 2008: http://www.majlis.gov.mv/en/wp-content/uploads/Constitution-english.pdf (2018)
|
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:
The Referenda Act (Cap.237), Art. 14: http://www.maltadata.com/ref-act.htm (2012)
|
2012/05/22
|
|
Marshall Islands
|
a. Yes
|
A petition signed by at least 25% of eligible voters can request the holding of a Constitutional Convention to consider specified amendments.
Source:
Constitution, art. XII (3-4). https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Marshall_Islands_1995
|
2023/10/12
|
|
Mauritania
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution as amended by Constitutional Law n° 2012-015
|
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
|
Source:
Constitution: "Constitución Política de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos", arts. 35 (VII), 71 (IV): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/MX/mexico-constitucion-2024/
|
2024/04/12
|
|
Micronesia, Federated States of
|
a. Yes
|
Constitutional amendments can be proposed by a citizens' initiative.
Source:
Constitution of the Federated States of Micronesia Art. 14, Section 1: http://www.fsmlaw.org/fsm/constitution/constitution.htm
Direct Democracy Database, IDEA, https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=145&database_theme=309
|
2025/03/28
|
|
Moldova, Republic of
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2021/03/30
|
|
Monaco
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution
|
2012/04/27
|
|
Mongolia
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution, Art. 25 (1.16), 68: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Mongolia_2001?lang=en (2017)
|
2020/02/17
|
|
Montenegro
|
b. No
|
Article 93: The right to propose laws and other acts shall be granted to the Government and the Member of the Parliament. The right to propose laws shall also be granted to six thousand voters, through the Member of the Parliament they authorized.
The proposal to call for the national referendum may be submitted by: at least 25 Members of the Parliament, the President of Montenegro, the Government or at least 10% of the citizens with the right to vote
82:11: It is the responsibility of Parliament to call for the national referendum
Source:
Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Montenegro, as amended 2013 art. 82:11 & 93.
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Montenegro_2013.pdf?lang=en
|
2021/12/25
|
|
Morocco
|
b. No
|
Source:
Morocco's Constitution of 2011: 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
|
b. No
|
No provisions for Citizen's Initiatives in the Constitutional or Electoral Law.
Source:
Constitution 1968; Electoral Act 2016.
|
2019/07/11
|
|
Nepal
|
b. No
|
Source:
The Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2063 (2007): www.lawcommission.gov.np (2012)
|
2018/04/06
|
|
Netherlands
|
b. No
|
There are no provisions for citizens' initiatives in the legislation of the country (IDEA). What did exist between 2015 and 2018 was an Agenda Initiative, not a Citizen's Initiative.
Source:
International IDEA Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/node/301934;
T. W. G. van der Meer et al., "The rise and fall of the Dutch referendum law (2015-2018): inititiation, use, and abolition of the corrective, citizen-initiated, and non-binding referendum," 27 August 2020.
|
2022/08/02
|
|
New Zealand
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Citizens Initiated Referenda Act 1993:
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1993/0101/latest/DLM317193.html?search=ts_act_citizens_resel (2017) ;
Referendums Framework Act 2019:
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2019/0071/latest/LMS215774.html?src=qs
|
2024/07/12
|
|
Nicaragua
|
a. Yes
|
A minimum of 5 000 signatures is required. Even though the Nicaraguan Constitution foresees the citizens’ initiative, it is not regulated into the electoral law.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 140 (5):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/constitucion/constitucion-politica-de-nicaragua-con-reformas-a/ (2016).
|
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
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution 1999 (as amended): http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?file_id=179202 (2013);
Electoral Act 2010: http://www.inecnigeria.org/downloads/?did=5 (2013)
|
2015/03/30
|
|
Niue
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution.
|
2014/06/23
|
|
Northern Mariana Islands
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
https://cnmilaw.org/pdf/public_laws/12/pl12-18.pdf
Election law 6208 (e)
|
2024/12/11
|
|
Norway
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2012/05/22
|
|
Oman
|
b. No
|
Source:
Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011
https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/oman_basic_statute_of_the_state_2011-english.pdf
|
2025/05/12
|
|
Pakistan
|
b. No
|
The constitution states nothing on this.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 48 (6)
https://na.gov.pk/uploads/documents/1333523681_951.pdf
|
2024/02/07
|
|
Palau
|
a. Yes
|
Citizens may enact or repeal national laws, except appropriations, by initiative. An initiative petition shall contain the text of the proposed law or of the law sought to be repealed and be signed by not less than ten percent (10%) of the registered voters. An initiative petition shall take effect if approved at the next general election by a majority of the persons voting on the initiative. A law enacted by initiative or a repeal of a law by initiative may not be vetoed by the President. A law enacted or repealed by initiative may be subsequently amended, repealed or reenacted only by another initiative pursuant to the provisions of this section.
Source:
Constitution, Art. XIII (3).
|
2016/11/09
|
|
Palestine
|
b. No
|
Source:
Palestinian Basic Law: http://www.osservatorioiraq.it/sites/default/files/Palestinian%20Basic%20Law%20with%20Amendements%20-%20english.pdf (2013)
|
2013/04/09
|
|
Panama
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Panamá”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-constitucion-politica-de-la-republica-2004
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
|
2024/12/05
|
|
Papua New Guinea
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea: http://www.igr.gov.pg/constitution.pdf (2017)
|
2017/03/16
|
|
Paraguay
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Electoral Law: Código Electoral Paraguayo (Ley 834/96), art. 266:
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. 2 (17), 31, 206 (2):
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
|
Art. VI, Sec. 32: The Congress shall, as early as possible, provide for a system of initiative and referendum, and the exceptions therefrom, whereby the people can directly propose and enact laws or approve or reject any act or law or part thereof passed by the Congress or local legislative body after the registration of a petition therefor signed by at least ten per centum of the total number of registered voters, of which every legislative district must be represented by at least three per centum of the registered voters thereof.
Art. XVII, Sec. 2: Amendments to the Constitution may likewise be directly proposed by the people through initiative upon a petition of at least twelve per centum of the total number of registered voters, of which every legislative district must be represented by at least three per centum of the registered votes therein.
Source:
Constitution, Art. VI, Sec. 32; Art. XVII, Sec. 2: 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
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008), p. 90&208:
https://www.eods.eu/library/IDEA.Direct-DemocracyEN.pdf
|
2024/11/13
|
|
Portugal
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of the Portuguese Republic, Seventh Revision [2005], Articles 115, 167:
https://www.parlamento.pt/sites/EN/Parliament/Documents/Constitution7th.pdf
Legislative Initiative by Citizens:
https://www.parlamento.pt/sites/EN/Parliament/Documents/LeiIniciativaCidadaosEN.pdf
Legal Regime governing Referenda:
https://www.parlamento.pt/sites/EN/Parliament/Documents/ReferendoEN.pdf
|
2024/10/10
|
|
Puerto Rico
|
c. No information available
|
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
|
a. Yes
|
Article 150: (1) Revision of the Constitution may be initiated by the President of Romania on the proposal of the Government, by at least one quarter of the number of Deputies or Senators, as well as by at least 500,000 citizens with the right to vote.
(2) The citizens who initiate the revision of the Constitution must belong to at least half the number of the counties in the country, and in each of the respective counties or in the Municipality of Bucharest, at least 20,000 signatures must be recorded in support of this initiative.
Source:
Constitution: Constitution of Romania, amended in 2003, art. 150-152.http://www.cdep.ro/pls/dic/site.page?den=act2_2&par1=7#t7c0s0a151 (2014)
|
2020/08/24
|
|
Russian Federation
|
a. Yes
|
Article 14: 1. In the Russian Federation, the initiative to hold a referendum is vested in those citizens of the Russian Federation who are entitled to participate in a referendum.
Source:
Law: Russian Federation Federal Law "On Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights and the Right of Citizens of the Russian Federation to Participate in a Referendum", art. 14: https://legislationline.org/taxonomy/term/12320
|
2024/03/27
|
|
Rwanda
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution (2015): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/RW/rwanda-constitution-versions-francaise-et-anglaise/
|
2017/03/03
|
|
Saint Kitts and Nevis
|
c. No information available
|
Source:
Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis
|
2020/04/20
|
|
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
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Law n.101 of 28 November 1994 "New Rules for referendum and people's legislative initiative": http://www.consigliograndeegenerale.sm/contents/instance18/files/document/21630leggi_5165.pdf (2012);
Constitution, Art. 3 bis, (Available on the Official Website of the Parliament: http://www.consigliograndeegenerale.sm)
|
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, :https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Sao_Tome_and_Principe_1990.pdf?lang=en (2016)
|
2016/06/28
|
|
Saudi Arabia
|
b. No
|
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
|
Source:
Electoral Law: Law on Referendum and Civil Initiative
http://aceproject.org/regions-en/countries-and-territories/RS/links/law-on-referendum-and-civil-initiative
|
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
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Singapore: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Singapore_2010?lang=en (2017)
|
2017/03/24
|
|
Slovakia
|
a. Yes
|
Article 93
(1)A referendum is used to confirm a constitutional law on entering into a union with other states, or on withdrawing from that union.
(2)A referendum can be used to decide also on other important issues of public interest.
(3)Basic rights and freedoms, taxes, levies and the state budget may not be the subject of a referendum.
Article 94
Every citizen of the Slovak Republic who has the right to vote in elections of the
National Council of the Slovak Republic is entitled to participate in the referendum.
Article 95
(1) The referendum is called by the President of the Slovak Republic if requested by a
petition signed by a minimum of 350,000 citizens, or on the basis of a resolution of the
National Council of the Slovak Republic, within 30 days after the receipt of the citizens'
petition, or the resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic.
(2) The President of the Slovak Republic may, before calling a referendum, file with the
Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic a petition for a decision whether the subject of
the referendum, which should be called on the basis of a citizens’ petition or a resolution of
the National Council of the Slovak Republic pursuant to paragraph 1, is in compliance with
the Constitution or a constitutional law. If the President of the Slovak Republic files with
the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic a petition for a decision whether the
subject of the referendum which should be called on the basis of a citizens’ petition or a
resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic is in compliance with the
Constitution or a constitutional act, the period pursuant to paragraph 1 shall not continue
from filing of a petition by the President of the Slovak Republic until the decision of the
Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic becomes effective.
Article 96
(1) The motion to pass a resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic on
calling a referendum may be introduced by Members of Parliament, or by the Government
of the Slovak Republic.
(2) A referendum shall be held within 90 days from the day it was called by the
President of the Slovak Republic.
Article 97
(1) A referendum may not be held within 90 days prior to elections to the National
Council of the Slovak Republic.
(2) A referendum may be held on the day of elections to the National Council of the
Slovak Republic.
Article 98
(1) The results of the referendum are valid if more than one-half of eligible voters
participated in it and if the decision was endorsed by more than one half of the participants
in the referendum.
(2) The proposals adopted in the referendum will be promulgated by the National
Council of the Slovak Republic in the same way as it promulgates laws.
Article 99
(1) The National Council of the Slovak Republic may amend or annul the result of a
referendum by means of a constitutional law no sooner than three years after the result of
the referendum came into effect.
(2) A referendum on the same issue may be repeated no sooner than three years from
the day it was held.
Article 100
A law shall lay down the manner in which the referendum will be carried out.
Source:
The Constitution of the Slovak Republic, Articles 93-100
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/constitution-of-the-slovak-republic-as-amended-to/view
|
2024/10/25
|
|
Slovenia
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution Article 90 https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Slovenia_2013?lang=en
|
2017/03/30
|
|
Solomon Islands
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of 1978,amended 2014: https://constituteproject.org/constitution/Solomon_Islands_2014.pdf?lang=en.(2019)
|
2019/03/01
|
|
Somalia
|
a. Yes
|
The Federal Government or a Federal Members State government, a member of the Federal Parliament or a petition signed by at least 40,000 citizens may initiate the constitutional amendment process after the expiry of the first term of the Federal Parliament.
Source:
Transitional Constitution of 2012, Art. 132 (3): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/SO/somalia-provisional-constitution-of-2012/view
|
2016/11/25
|
|
South Africa
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2014/05/01
|
|
South Sudan
|
b. No
|
Source:
Transitional Constitution 2011: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/4e269a3e2.html%C2%A0 (2012)
|
2021/06/02
|
|
Spain
|
a. Yes
|
"An organic law will regulate the forms of exercise and requirements for popular initiative for the presentation of bill proposals. In any case, no fewer than 500,000 accredited signatures will be required."
Source:
Constitution, “Constitución Española”, art. 87(3)
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-constitucion-espanola-2011-2016/
|
2025/04/24
|
|
Sri Lanka
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: http://www.parliament.lk/constitution/constitution.jsp (2012);
Official Website of the Department of Elections: http://www.slelections.gov.lk/ep.html (2012)
|
2016/02/15
|
|
Sudan
|
b. No
|
Source:
The Interim National Constitution of 2005: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/4ba749762.html (2012)
|
2012/09/04
|
|
Suriname
|
b. No
|
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
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2014/08/04
|
|
Switzerland
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution, Art. 138, 139: https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2015)
Electoral Law of 17 December 1976 regulating political rights, Art. 10 - 15, 59, 68-76: 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
|
a. Yes
|
|
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);
The Constitutional Review Act No. 8 of 2011 as amended by the Act No. 2 of 2012: http://polis.parliament.go.tz/PAMS/docs/8Eng-2011.pdf (2013)
|
2013/03/13
|
|
Thailand
|
b. No
|
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
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution, art. 4: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country,LEGAL,,LEGISLATION,TGO,456d621e2,48ef43c72,0.html (2013)
|
2013/01/10
|
|
Tonga
|
a. Yes
|
All people shall be free to send letters or petitions to the King or Legislative Assembly and to meet and consult concerning matters about which they think it right to petition the King or Legislative Assembly to pass or repeal enactments provided that they meet peaceably without arms and without disorder.
Source:
Constitution of Tonga, Art. 8: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/Tonga%20Act%20of%20Constitution%201988.pdf/view (2021)
|
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).
|
2019/08/05
|
|
Turkey
|
b. No
|
Constitution provides only for mandatory and optional referenda
Source:
IDEA Global Database on Elections and Democracy, Turkey: http://www.idea.int/db/countryview.cfm?id=223
|
2016/01/21
|
|
Turkmenistan
|
a. Yes
|
The Mejlis has the right to call a national referendum at the proposal of at least two thirds of its deputies or at the proposal of at least 250 thousand citizens who have the right to vote.
Source:
Constitution of Turkmenistan (2008), art. 95: http://www.legislationline.org/documents/section/constitutions/country/51 (2013);
Law on Referendum of Turkmenistan (1993), art. 9-11
|
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/
|
2025/09/30
|
|
Tuvalu
|
b. No
|
There are no provisions for initiatives in the Constitution.
Source:
Constitution.
|
2012/06/20
|
|
Uganda
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, art. 84, 255: http://www.ec.or.ug/docs/Constitution_1995.pdf (2025)
|
2025/12/05
|
|
Ukraine
|
a. Yes
|
Article 72. An all -Ukrainian referendum shall be appointed by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine or the President of Ukraine in accordance with their powers established by this Constitution.
An all-Ukrainian referendum is proclaimed at the request of at least three million citizens of Ukraine who have the right to vote, provided that the signatures on the referendum appointment are collected in at least two thirds of the regions and not less than one hundred thousand signatures in each oblast.
Source:
Constitution, art. 72:
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
|
b. No
|
Referendums in the UK are held at the discretion of Parliament, meaning they must be authorized through legislation passed by Parliament.
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008)
http://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook.pdf
|
2025/06/30
|
|
United States of America
|
b. No
|
The U.S. Constitution and subsequent national-level legislation do not allow for national citizens' initiatives.
Source:
U.S. Constitution:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/US/united-states-of-america-constitution-1992/view
|
2020/10/21
|
|
Uruguay
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution: Constitución de la República de Uruguay, art. 79 (2), 304, 305, 331, https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/UY/uruguay-constitucion-de-la-republica-2004-vigente/view (2004).
|
2024/12/19
|
|
Uzbekistan
|
a. Yes
|
Article 12. The procedure for implementing the initiative of citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan to hold a referendum: Citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan exercise the right to initiate a referendum if signatures of at least five percent of citizens of the total number of citizens eligible to participate in the referendum are collected, subject to their uniform and proportional distribution in each administrative-territorial entity (the Republic of Karakalpakstan, the region and the city of Tashkent).
Source:
On Introducing Amendments and Additions to the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On Referendum of the Republic of Uzbekistan" (2001), Article 12: https://lex.uz/docs/-81253
|
2024/08/26
|
|
Vanuatu
|
b. No
|
No provisions for citizen's initiatives at the national level.
Source:
Constitution: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/VU/vanuatu-constitution-of-the-republic-of-vanuatu/at_download/file
|
2016/01/27
|
|
Venezuela
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela”, arts. 74, 197, 204 (5, 7), 205, 341: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/VE/venezuela-constitucion-reforma-2009/
|
2020/11/15
|
|
Viet Nam
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of 1992 as amended:
http://www.moj.gov.vn/vbpq/en/Lists/Vn%20bn%20php%20lut/View_Detail.aspx?ItemID=10450 (2016)
|
2021/03/24
|
|
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
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution, art. 101 (a), 158: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/category,LEGAL,,,YEM,3fc4c1e94,0.html (2012)
|
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
|
b. No
|
Source:
Referendum Act No. 6 of 2010;
http://www.zec.go.tz/en/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Referendum-Act-No6-2010.pdf (2016)
The Constitution of Zanzibar
http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/tz/tz028en.pdf (2016)
|
2016/04/05
|
|
Zimbabwe
|
c. No information available
|
|
2023/09/25
|
