|
total countries/territories: 216
|
|---|
| 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
|
|
Andorra
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
IDEA International Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/42/45
|
2023/06/09
|
|
Angola
|
a. Yes
|
Groups of citizens and the organizations representing them may present proposals for introducing new legislation.
Source:
Constitution of 3 February 2010, art. 167 (1, 5): 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
|
a. Yes
|
Citizens shall have the right to introduce bills before the House of Deputies. Congress shall consider them within the term of twelve months. Congress shall enact, with the vote of the absolute majority of all the members of each House, a regulatory law that cannot demand more than three percent of the national voters register. This shall be consistent with an adequate territorial distribution in order to support the initiative. Bills referring to constitutional reform, international treaties, taxation, budget, and criminal legislation shall not originate in popular initiatives.
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);
Law on Agenda Initiatives: "Ley de Iniciativa Legislativa Popular": http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AR/argentina-ley-24747-iniciativa-legislativa-popular-1996/
|
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
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Art. 41, 43 & 60 B-VG, Art. 44, 45 & 46 B-VG, Volksbegehrengesetz 1973 (Law on Public Initiatives), Volksabstimmungsgesetz 1972 (Law on Referenda), Volksbefragungsgesetz 1989 (Law on Public Opinion Polls).
Constitution of Austria, Articles 1-46
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2012/05/29
|
|
Azerbaijan
|
a. Yes
|
I. Right to legislative initiative in Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan (the right to submit draft laws and other questions for the consideration of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan) belongs to deputies of Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Court of the Republic of Azerbaijan, forty thousand citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan entitled to the right to elections, the Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ali Majlis of the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic.
The manner in which 40 thousand citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan enjoying suffrage exercise their right to initiate legislation shall be defined by law.
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan (1995) including amendments, article 96: 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
|
Only the King may submit a proposal
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
|
Source:
Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”: 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
|
b. No
|
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
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution; "Constitución Política del Estado", art. 11 (II-1), 162 (I-1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BO/bolivia-constitucion-politica-del-estado-vigente/ (2019).
|
2024/12/10
|
|
Bosnia and Herzegovina
|
b. No
|
No mention in the constitution. There is no mention of the Rules of Procedure in either chamber of parliament or the electoral laws, either.
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
|
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 29 (XIII), 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
|
Art. 98: The people exercise the initiative of the laws by way of petition constituting a proposal, written and signed by at least fifteen thousand (15,000) persons having the right to vote under the conditions specified by the law.
The petition is deposited with the Bureau of the National Assembly.
The right of amendment belongs to the Deputies, to the Senators and to the Government whatever the origin of the text may be.
Source:
Constitution as amended in 2015, art. 98, 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
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Constitution of Cape Verde as amended in 2010, art. 157: 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
|
a. Yes
|
Legislative bills or those involving constitutional amendments may be introduced by a number of citizens equal to or greater than five percent of the existing electoral rolls on the relevant date or by 30 percent of the Councillors or deputies of the country.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Política de Colombia”, art. 155:
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. 28:
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)
|
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)
|
2015/10/23
|
|
Congo (Kinshasa), Democratic Republic of the
|
a. Yes
|
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. 195: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/
|
2018/01/24
|
|
Croatia
|
b. No
|
|
2015/11/16
|
|
Cuba
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución de la República de Cuba (2019)”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CU/cuba-constitucion-2019-ace/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley No. 127, Ley Electoral”: 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
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2012/06/07
|
|
Czech Republic
|
b. No
|
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
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2016/10/14
|
|
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
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitución: Constitución de la República Dominicana (2015): 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. 61 (4), 103, 104, 106, 407, 438 (2), 444: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-constitucion-2020/ ; Direct Democracy Law: “Ley Orgánica de Participación Ciudadana” art. 19-24: 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
|
2025/09/30
|
|
El Salvador
|
b. No
|
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
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution as amended by referendum of 23 November 2011
|
2012/10/03
|
|
Estonia
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
|
2015/03/03
|
|
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
|
b. No
|
There are no legal provisions for agenda initiatives, but it appears that Finnish citizens petition the legislature anyway.
Source:
Constitution, Section 53: http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/kaannokset/1999/en19990731.pdf (2012);
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) p. 84
http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
|
2018/03/16
|
|
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
|
The Government, a Member of Parliament, a parliamentary faction, a parliamentary committee, the supreme representative bodies of the Autonomous Republics of Abkhazia and Ajara, and not less than 25,000 voters shall have the right of legislative initiative.
Source:
Constitution of Georgia, art. 45:
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Georgia_2018?lang=en
|
2024/07/24
|
|
Germany
|
b. No
|
Agenda initiatives are only applicable to Regional and Local citizens initiatives.
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
|
b. No
|
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
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: The Fundamental Law of Hungary, The State: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=140968.322953#foot_8_place;
Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=15995.329468.
|
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
(2017)
|
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
|
The people may introduce public initiatives consisting of a bill drafted in articles and signed by at least 50,000 voters.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 71
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
|
e decision to hold a referendum and the issue(s) submitted to it shall be brought to the attention of citizens by the mass media.
3. A referendum commission shall inform citizens about their work on the conduct of the referendum, formation of polling stations for voting, composition, location, working hours of the commissions and lists of citizens eligible to take part in the referendum.
4. Representatives of public associations of the Republic, observers of foreign states and international organisations, whose powers are certified according to the order established by the Central Referendum Commission, shall be eligible to be present in the conduct of a referendum. Interference of representatives and observers in the work of commissions shall not be allowed.
5. The mass media shall cover the course of preparation and conduct of a referendum, their representatives, accredited to referendum commissions, shall be guaranteed access to events related to the conduct of a referendum.
Source:
Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the Republican Referendum (dated May 1999), Article 6:
https://www.election.gov.kz/eng/election-legal-framework/on-the-republican-referendum.php
|
2024/10/24
|
|
Kenya
|
c. No information available
|
|
2017/07/07
|
|
Kiribati
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Kiribati_2013
Elections Ordinance: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/KI/kiribati-elections-ordinance-1979/at_download/file (http://www.paclii.org/ki/legis/consol_act/eo167.pdf);
Amendments of this ordinance can be found here: https://www.parliament.gov.ki/acts-of-kiribati/
|
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
|
The right of legislative initiative belongs to:
1) 10 thousand voters (popular initiative);
2) the President;
3) Deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh;
4) the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers;
5) the Supreme Court in matters of its jurisdiction;
6) the People's Kurultai;
7) the Prosecutor General on matters under his authority.
Source:
Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic (2021), art. 85: https://constsot.kg/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/constitution-of-the-kyrgyz-republic.pdf
|
2025/05/07
|
|
Lao People's Democratic Republic
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view
|
2021/02/28
|
|
Latvia
|
a. Yes
|
Source:
Law: Law on National Referendum and Initiation of Legislation as amended till 26 February 2009, art. 1.
|
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
|
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
|
2024/10/25
|
|
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
|
b. No
|
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, 112, 113.
https://www.llv.li/files/rdr/Verfassung-E-01-02-2014.pdf
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (86).
|
2022/08/02
|
|
Lithuania
|
a. Yes
|
Article 68:
(2) The citizens of the Republic of Lithuania shall also have the right of legislative initiative. 50,000 citizens of the Republic of Lithuania who have the electoral right may submit a draft law to the Seimas, and the Seimas must consider it.
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania (25 October 1992, as last amended on 25 April 2006), art. 68(2)http://www3.lrs.lt/home/Konstitucija/Constitution.htm
|
2020/06/05
|
|
Luxembourg
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=130&database_theme=309
Constitution: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Luxembourg_2009
|
2024/11/21
|
|
Macedonia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of
|
a. Yes
|
Constitution:
Article 71:
The right to propose adoption of a law is given to every Representative of the Assembly, to the Government of the Republic and to a group of at least 10,000 voters. The initiative for adopting a law may be given to the authorized instances by any citizen, group of citizens, institutions or associations.
Law on Referendum:
Article 66 2
(1) Citizens’ initiative at state level shall be started on a proposal of 100 citizens.
(2) The citizens’ initiative at state level shall be conducted in regard to issues referred to in Article 3
paragraph (2) of this Law.
(3) The proposal for raising citizens’ initiative at state level shall be lodged by an authorized proposer
and it shall refer to an issue within the competence for deciding of the Assembly.
(4) An authorized proposer, in terms of paragraph (3) of this Article, shall be the first signatory of the
proposal for raising citizens’ initiative.
Article 67
(1) The proposal for raising citizens’ initiative at state level shall be submitted to the president of the
Assembly.
(2) When the president of the Assembly shall determine the initiative to be in accordance with
Article 66 of this Law, (s)he shall notify the authorized proposer for it within three days
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia, art. 71.
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. 66-68:
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
|
b. No
|
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 the Constitution.
Source:
Constitution 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
|
b. No
|
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
|
b. No
|
Source:
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
|
a. Yes
|
Article 93: The right to propose laws shall also be granted to six thousand voters, through the Member of the Parliament they authorized
Source:
Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Montenegro, SU-SK Ref. no. 01-514/12, 19 October 2007, art. 93:2.
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Montenegro_2013.pdf?lang=en
|
2021/12/25
|
|
Morocco
|
a. Yes
|
The new constitution has enabled the possibility of agenda initiatives, but the specific law that describes the procedures has not been enacted yet. Article 14: The citizens [feminine] and citizens [masculine] have [disposent], within the conditions and following the modalities established by an organic law, the right to present motions in legislative matters.
Source:
International IDEA Direct Democracy Database: https://www.idea.int/node/226186;
Morocco's Constitution of 2011, Article 14: 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 Agenda 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
|
a. Yes
|
Agenda Initiatives are handled by a parliamentary committee of the Lower House, called the committee for Petitions and Citizen's Initiatives. The code for this committee, along with the Rules of Procedure for the House of Representatives of the Netherlands, regulates agenda initiatives.
Source:
House of Representatives of the Netherlands - Rules of Procedure (2012), Section 20: https://www.houseofrepresentatives.nl/sites/default/files/content/rules_of_procedure_1.pdf
|
2022/08/02
|
|
New Zealand
|
b. No
|
Source:
Elections New Zealand Official Website: https://elections.nz/democracy-in-nz/about-elections/what-is-a-referendum/ (2017) ;
|
2024/07/12
|
|
Nicaragua
|
a. Yes
|
The President is empowered with the legislative initiative for plebiscite, meanwhile one third of the deputies before the National Assembly is entitled with the legislative initiative for referendum. In both cases, citizens are entitled with the legislative initiative only if 50 000 signatures are recollected.
Source:
Electoral Law No. 331: “Ley Electoral No. 331 (enmendada por la ley No. 790 del 23/05/2012)”, art. 133 - 138:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
|
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
|
c. No information available
|
|
2024/12/10
|
|
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 matter.
Source:
Constitution, Art. 48 (6)
https://na.gov.pk/uploads/documents/1333523681_951.pdf
|
2024/02/07
|
|
Palau
|
b. No
|
No provisions for Agenda Initiatives.
Source:
Constitution.
|
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
|
C:TII:ChX:123 "Voters are hereby given the right to propose draft laws to Congress through popular initiative. A law will establish the procedures as well as the number of voters who must sign such proposals."
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
|
Source:
Constitution, Art. VI, Sec. 32: http://www.gov.ph/constitutions/1987-constitution/ (2016)
Republic Act No. 6735 "The Initiative and Referendum Act", Sec. 3, 11: http://www.comelec.gov.ph/?r=References/RelatedLaws/ElectionLaws/OtherElectionLaws/RA6735 (2016)
|
2016/05/12
|
|
Poland
|
a. Yes
|
The Seym may take a decision on holding a referendum in a specific case on a motion of a group of citizens, if they shall gain support in such a matter of at least 500 000 persons eligible to vote in a referendum.
Source:
The Act of 14th March 2003 on nationwide referendum, art. 63(1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/PL/poland-the-act-of-14th-march-2003-on-nation-wide
|
2024/11/13
|
|
Portugal
|
a. Yes
|
Legislative Initiative by Citizens, Article 1:
The present Law regulates the terms and conditions under which groups of registered electors exercise the right to initiate legislation at the Assembly of the Republic in accordance with Article 167 of the Constitution, together with their participation in the legislative procedure to which they have given rise.
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: 74 (1) A legislative initiative shall lie, as the case may be, with the Government, Deputies, Senators, or a number of at least 100,000 citizens entitled to vote. The citizens who exercise their right to a legislative initiative must belong to at least one quarter of the country’s counties, while, in each of those counties or the Municipality of Bucharest, at least 5,000 signatures should be registered in support of such initiative.
Source:
Constitution: Constitution of Romania, amended in 2003, art. 74(1).
http://www.cdep.ro/pls/dic/site.page?den=act2_2&par1=3#t3c1s3a74 (2014)
|
2020/08/24
|
|
Russian Federation
|
b. No
|
Source:
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook: https://www.idea.int/publications/catalogue/direct-democracy-international-idea-handbook
|
2024/03/27
|
|
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
|
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
|
The electorate can present to the Parliament bills drafted in articles and accompanied by an explanatory report. Each proposal must be accompanied by at least sixty signatures of voters.
Source:
Law n.101 of 28 November 1994 "New Rules for referendum and people's legislative initiative", Art. 33: 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
|
Constitution, Article 107
A right to propose laws, other regulations and general acts shall belong to every deputy, the Government, assemblies of autonomous provinces or at least 30,000 voters.
Source:
Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Serbia, art. 107
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/RS/constitution-of-the-republic-of-serbia-2006/view
|
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
|
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:
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
|
b. No
|
Source:
Transitional Constitution of 2012:
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
|
500,000 citizens must sign the request. This initiative shall not be allowed for matters concerning organic acts, taxation, international affairs or the prerogative of pardon.
Source:
Constitution: “Constitución Española”, art. 87(3): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-constitucion-espanola-2011-2016/;
Law 3/1984 of 26 March on Citizens’ legislative Iniciative: “Ley Orgánica 3/1984, de 26 de marzo, Reguladora de la Iniciativa Legislativa Popular”:
http://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1984-7249/
|
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
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution, Art. 138 - 141: https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2015)
|
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
|
b. No
|
|
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
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country,LEGAL,,LEGISLATION,TGO,456d621e2,48ef43c72,0.html (2013)
|
2013/01/10
|
|
Tonga
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of Tonga: 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
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of Turkmenistan (2008): http://www.legislationline.org/documents/section/constitutions/country/51 (2013)
|
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 initiatives in the Constitution.
Source:
Constitution.
|
2012/06/20
|
|
Uganda
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, art. 68, 69, 74, 84, 255, 260: http://www.ec.or.ug/docs/Constitution_1995.pdf (2025)
|
2025/12/05
|
|
Ukraine
|
b. No
|
Source:
Constitution:
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
|
There is no formal legal mechanism for citizens to compel Parliament to place a specific issue on its legislative agenda through a public initiative.
The closest equivalent is the UK Parliament petitions system, where:
- Petitions with 10,000+ signatures receive a government response.
- Petitions with 100,000+ signatures are considered for debate in Parliament.
However, these debates do not guarantee legislative action and are non-binding.
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
|
2024/10/15
|
|
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
|
b. No
|
Source:
The Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan: https://constitution.uz/en/clause/index#section23
International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance Database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=240&database_theme=309
|
2024/08/26
|
|
Vanuatu
|
b. No
|
No.
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. 204 (5, 7), 205: 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
|
