Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
b . No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Riigikogu Election Act as amended on 13 April 2016 , § 6.
Verified: 2019/02/19
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2015/03/03
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
d . Indirectly elected by legislature
Comments: § 79:
The President of the Republic shall be elected by the Riigikogu, or, in the case provided by paragraph four of this section, by the by the Electoral College.
The President is elected by secret ballot. Each member of the Riigikogu has one vote. The candidate who receives the votes of two thirds of the members of the Riigikogu is deemed elected. If no candidate receives the required majority, a new round of voting is held on the next day. Before the new round of voting, a new nomination of candidates takes place. If no candidate receives the required majority in the second round of voting, a third round of voting is held on the same day between the two candidates who received the greatest number of votes in the second round. If the President is not selected in the third round of voting, the Electoral College is convened by the President of the Riigikogu within one month to select the President.
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia with latest amendment on 6 May 2015, § 79
Verified: 2019/02/19
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
c . Indirectly elected by legislature/chosen by parliament
Comments: § 89. Within fourteen days following resignation of the Government of the Republic, the President nominates a Prime Minister candidate whom he directs to form the new Government.
The Prime Minister candidate, within fourteen days after receiving the direction to form the new Government, presents a report to the Riigikogu regarding the principles upon which he or she proposes to form the Government, after which the Riigikogu decides, without debate and by an open vote, whether to authorise the Prime Minister candidate to form the Government.
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia with latest amendment on 6 May 2015, § 89.
Verified: 2019/02/19
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia with latest amendment on 6 May 2015, § 77-85.
Verified: 2019/02/19
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: § 59: Legislative power is vested in the Riigikogu.
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia with latest amendment on 6 May 2015, § 59-76.
Verified: 2019/02/19
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments: § 1: (4) Election results shall be verified on the basis of proportional representation.
Source: Electoral Law: Riigikogu Election Act as amended on 13 April 2016, § 1(4) & 29.
Verified: 2019/02/19
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation d . Regulations or administrative rules
Comments: Riigikogu Election Act: § 15:
(3) The National Electoral Committee shall issue regulations in the cases prescribed in subsection (4) and (5) of this section. The Chairman shall sign the regulations of the National Electoral Committee. Regulations enter into force on the third day after publication in the Riigi Teataja.
(6) The National Electoral Committee shall adopt a resolution in order to resolve an individual issue within the competence of the National Electoral Committee. The resolution shall be signed by the Chairman of the Committee. The resolution shall enter into force upon signature thereof.
(7)Regulations, resolutions and instructions of the National Electoral Committee shall be binding on county electoral committees, the Electronic Voting Committee and voting district committees.
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia with latest amendment on 6 May 2015.
Electoral Law: Riigikogu Election Act as amended on 13 April 2016.
Electoral Law: President of the Republic Election Act, passed on 13 June 2012.
Electoral Law: Local Government Council Election Act as amended on 6 July 2016.
Verified: 2019/02/19
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections
Comments: There are separate laws for every type of election.
Source: Electoral Law: Riigikogu Election Act as amended on 13 April 2016.
Electoral Law: President of the Republic Election Act, passed on 13 June 2012.
Electoral Law: Local Government Council Election Act as amended on 6 July 2016.
Verified: 2019/02/19
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: § 56. Supreme political authority in Estonia is vested in the people who, through citizens eligible to vote, exercise it:
1) in elections of the Riigikogu;
2) in referendums
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia with latest amendment on 16 May 2015, § 56.
Verified: 2019/02/19
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
b . EMB
Comments: § 68.
For the purposes of this Act, a complaint is a request for a resolution of an electoral committee to be reviewed and declared invalid or for an act of an electoral committee to be declared unlawful which is filed with a county electoral committee or the National Electoral Committee and is prepared according to the requirements of this Act
Source: Electoral Law: Riigikogu Election Act as amended on 13 April 2016, ch. 12.
Verified: 2019/02/19
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level
Comments: Riigikogu Election Act: § 15: (1) The function of the National Electoral Committee is to ascertain the voting results and election results across the whole country, to ensure the uniformity of the conduct of Riigikogu elections, to instruct other electoral committees, to exercise supervision over their activities and to perform other functions arising from law.
President of the Republic Election Act: § 4. The election of the President of the Republic shall be organised by the National Electoral Committee.
Local Government Council Election Act: § 17: (1) The function of the National Electoral Committee is to ensure the uniformity of the conduct of council elections, instruct other electoral committees, exercise supervision over their activities and perform other functions arising from law.
§ 13: (1) The term of authority and the procedure for formation of the National Electoral Committee, the Electronic Voting Committee, county electoral committees and the electoral committees of the cities of Tallinn and Tartu is prescribed in the Riigikogu Election Act.
The functions of the National Electoral Committee are to verify the national voting results and election results, ensure the uniform conduct of elections to the European Parliament, instruct other electoral committees, exercise supervision over the activities thereof and perform other functions arising from law.
Source: Electoral Law: Riigikogu Election Act as amended on 13 April 2016, § 15.
Electoral Law: President of the Republic Election Act, passed on 10 April 1996, sec. 4.
Electoral Law: Local Government Council Election Act as amended on 11 December 2008, sec. 17.
Electoral Law: European Parliament Election Act as amended on 11 December 2008, sec. 13.
Verified: 2019/02/19
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: Riigikogu Election Act § 64. Expenditure for organisation of elections
(1) Expenses incurred in the preparation and organisation of Riigikogu elections shall be covered from the state budget.
(2) The National Electoral Committee shall prepare a draft budget for election expenditure.
(3) The National Electoral Committee shall decide on the distribution of budget expenditure on the basis of the size of the allocations from the state budget.
(4) Expenditure relating to the registration of voters (Chapter 5) shall be covered from the state budget out of separate funds allocated to the budget of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
(5) Expenditure related to the organisation of voting in a foreign state shall be covered from the state budget out of separate funds allocated to the budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Constitution: § 65: The Riigikogu shall: 6) pass the state budget and approve the report on its implementation.
Source: Electoral Law: Riigikogu Election Act as amended on 13 April 2016, § 64.
Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia with latest amendment on 6 May 2015 § 65:6.
Verified: 2019/02/19
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: § 3. Purpose of activities of National Audit Office
The purpose of the activities of the National Audit Office is to exercise economic control in order to assure the Riigikogu and the public that the funds of the public sector are used legally and effectively.
Source: Law: National Audit Office Act as amended on 10 December 2015 § 3.
Verified: 2019/02/19
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: § 10: (1) The term of authority of the National Electoral Committee shall be four years.
Source: Electoral Law: Riigikogu Election Act as amended on 13 April 2016, § 10: 1
Verified: 2019/02/19
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: § 11: (9) A member of an electoral committee shall be independent in the performance of his or her duties. A member of an electoral committee shall operate pursuant to law and the instructions of a superior electoral committee.
Source: Electoral Law: Riigikogu Election Act as amended on 13 April 2016, § 11: 9
Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook (http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_Annex_A.pdf)
Verified: 2019/02/19
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: 7 members.
§ 14. Formation of National Electoral Committee
(1) The National Electoral Committee comprises the following members:
1) a judge of a court of first instance appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court;
2) a judge of a court of appeal appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court;
3) an adviser to the Chancellor of Justice appointed by the Chancellor of Justice;
4) an official of the State Audit Office appointed by the Auditor General;
5) a public prosecutor appointed by the Chief Public Prosecutor;
6) an official of the Chancellery of the Riigikogu appointed by the Secretary General of the Riigikogu;
7) an official of the State Chancellery appointed by the State Secretary.
Source: Electoral Law: Riigikogu Election Act as amended on 13 April 2016, § 14: 1
Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook (http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_Annex_A.pdf)
Verified: 2019/02/19
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments: § 11: (1) A person who has the right to vote according to subsections 4 (1)-(3) of this Act and whose authority of a member of an electoral committee has not been terminated in the course of the last five years by a resolution of the National Electoral Committee may be a member of an electoral committee. A member of an electoral committee shall be proficient in Estonian.
§ 11: (5) The authority of a member of an electoral committee shall be suspended if he or she:
1) becomes an authorised representative of a political party;
2) becomes an authorised representative of an independent candidate;
3) is nominated as a candidate for election to the Riigikogu;
4) by a Resolution of a county electoral committee or the National Electoral Committee.
Source: Electoral Law: Riigikogu Election Act as amended on 13 April 2016, §4(1)-(3), §11(1) &(5)1.
Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook (http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_Annex_A.pdf)
Verified: 2019/02/19
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
c . Executive e . Legislature f . Judiciary i . Other
Comments: § 14. Formation of National Electoral Committee
(1) The National Electoral Committee comprises the following members:
1) a judge of a court of first instance appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court;
2) a judge of a court of appeal appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court;
3) an adviser to the Chancellor of Justice appointed by the Chancellor of Justice;
4) an official of the State Audit Office appointed by the Auditor General;
5) a public prosecutor appointed by the Chief Public Prosecutor;
6) an official of the Chancellery of the Riigikogu appointed by the Secretary General of the Riigikogu;
7) an official of the State Chancellery appointed by the State Secretary.
Source: Electoral Law: Riigikogu Election Act as amended on 13 April 2016 , § 14(1).
Verified: 2019/02/19
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body i . Media
Comments: The NEC conducted voter education campaign which included newspaper advertisements and audio and video clips on public and private broadcasters, including in Russian language, and posters describing procedures. The NEC also used Facebook, YouTube and Twitter as communication channels. The NEC website contained comprehensive and regularly updated information in Estonian and summaries in English.
Source: OSCE/ODIHR Election Assessment Mission Report on the Parliamentary elections in Republic of Estonia on 6 March 2011 (Warsaw 2011): http://www.osce.org/odihr/77557
Verified: 2015/03/03
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
b . Election time only
Comments:
Source: OSCE/ODIHR Election Assessment Mission Report on the Parliamentary Elections in Republic of Estonia on 4 March 2007 (Warsaw, 2007):
2015 Update
Findings of the 2011 Report on Estonia's elections
http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/estonia/75216?download=true
Verified: 2015/03/03
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body
Comments: The NEC website also provided a comprehensive and user friendly ‘frequently asked questions’ summary.
Source: OSCE/ODIHR Election Assessment Mission Report on the Parliamentary Elections in Republic of Estonia on 4 March 2007 (Warsaw, 2007)
Verified: 2015/03/03
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: § 57. Any citizen of Estonia who has attained eighteen years of age is eligible to vote.
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia with latest amendment on 6 May 2015, § 57(1).
Electoral Law: Riigikogu Election Act as amended on 13 April 2016, § 4(1).
Verified: 2019/02/19
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship e . Other
Comments: § 4. Right to vote and stand as candidate
(1) Estonian citizens who have attained 18 years of age by election day have the right to vote.
(2) A person who has been divested of his or her active legal capacity with regard to the right to vote shall not have the right to vote.
(3) A person who has been convicted of a criminal offence by a court and is imprisoned shall not participate in voting.
Source: Electoral Law: Riigikogu Election Act as amended on 13 April 2016, § 4.
Verified: 2019/02/19
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
e . Other
Comments: Riigikogu Election Act:
§ 20: (1) Voters shall be registered in the population register.
§ 22: (1) The chief processor of the population register shall organise the preparation and printing of the list of voters for each voting district on the basis of the information held in the population register and shall organise the delivery of the list of voters to the voting district committees not later than by the seventh day before election day. The electronic lists of voters shall be sent to the Electronic Voting Committee not later than by the thirteenth day before election day.
Population Register Act:
§ 10. Chief processor of population register
The Ministry of the Interior exercises the rights of the chief processor of the population register (hereinafter chief processor).
§ 11. Rights and obligations of chief processor
(1) The chief processor shall ensure the maintenance of the population register and processing of data contained therein in compliance with law and legislation issued on the basis thereof.
§ 12. Appointment of authorised processor of population register
(1) The Government of the Republic shall appoint, by an order, at the proposal of the Minister of Regional Affairs a state agency or legal person in private law which complies with the requirements provided for in this section as the authorised processor of the population register. A legal person in private law shall be appointed pursuant to the procedure provided for in the Administrative Co-operation Act.
Source: Electoral Law: Riigikogu Election Act as amended on 13 April 2016, § 20.
Law: Population Register Act as amended on 7 November 2013, ch. 2.
Verified: 2019/02/19
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: § 20: (1) Voters shall be registered in the population register.
Source: Electoral Law: Riigikogu Election Act as amended on 13 April 2016 , § 20(1).
Verified: 2019/02/19
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
b . Deposit requirement (specify amount) f . Other
Comments: § 26. Political party
(1) Political parties which are entered in the non-profit associations and foundations register not later than ninety days before election day may participate in Riigikogu elections.
§ 30: (5) Before nominating candidates, a political party or an independent candidate shall deposit an amount, the size of which is equal to the minimum salary rate as established by the Government of the Republic in the year when the elections are declared, for each person nominated, in the bank account of the National Electoral Committee as the security.
Source: Electoral Law: Riigikogu Election Act last amended on 13 April 2016, § 26(1) & 30(5).
Verified: 2019/02/19
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship j . Other
Comments: § 4. Right to vote and stand as candidate
(4) Estonian citizens who have attained 21 years of age by the last day for the registration of candidates have the right to stand as candidates.
(5) A person who has been divested of his or her active legal capacity with regard to the right to vote does not have the right to stand as a candidate.
(6) A person in active service in the Defence Forces or a person who has been convicted of a criminal offence by a court and is serving a prison sentence shall not stand as a candidate for election to the Riigikogu.
Source: Electoral Law: Riigikogu Election Act last amended on 16 April 2016 , § 4(4)-(6).
Verified: 2019/02/19
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: Presidential elections are not direct elections:
Constitution: § 79: (2) The right to nominate a candidate for President of the Republic rests with not less than one-fifth of the membership of the Riigikogu.
(6) The Riigikogu nominates the two candidates who received the most votes in the Riigikogu to the Electoral College as candidates for President. The right to nominate a candidate for President may also be exercised by not less than twenty-one members of the Electoral College.
Electoral Law: § 27: § 27. Independent candidate
(1) A person who has the right to stand as a candidate (subsections 4 (4)-(6)) may nominate himself or herself as an independent candidate and perform the acts necessary for registration. A person who has the right to vote pursuant to subsections 4 (1)-(3) of this Act may nominate another person as an independent candidate and perform the acts necessary for registration on the basis of a corresponding authorisation document.
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia with latest amendment on 6 May 2015, § 79.
Electoral Law: Riigikogu Election Act lastest amended on 16 April 2016, § 27.
Verified: 2019/02/19
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct
Comments: Political Parties Act:
§ 12(1): (1) Only membership fees established by the articles of association of a political party, allocations from the state budget received pursuant to this Act, donations of natural persons and income earned on the assets of the political party are the source of the assets and funds of the political party.
§ 12(7). Allocations from state budget
(1) A political party represented in the Riigikogu has the right to receive an allocation from the state budget by the fifth date of each calendar month. The size of the monthly allocation shall be one twelfth of the annual amount. The size of the allocation shall be proportionate to the number of seats obtained in the elections of the Riigikogu.
Source: Law: Political Parties Act latest amended on 14 June 2012, § 12(1): (1), § 12(7): (1)
Verified: 2019/02/19
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Based on result of previous election
Comments: Law:§ 12(7).
(1) A political party represented in the Riigikogu has the right to receive an allocation from the state budget by the fifth date of each calendar month. The size of the monthly allocation shall be one twelfth of the annual amount. The size of the allocation shall be proportionate to the number of seats obtained in the elections of the Riigikogu
(2) A political party that participated in the elections of the Riigikogu, but did not exceed the election threshold and received at least:
1) one percent of the votes, shall receive an allocation of 9,587 euros a year from the state budget;
2) four percent of the votes, shall receive an allocation of 15,978 euros a year from the state budget.
Source: Law: Political Parties Act latest amended on 14 June 2012, § 12(5)(1)-(2).
Verified: 2019/02/19
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: § 12 (1). Principles of funding of political party
(1) A political party shall, in accordance with the principle of democracy, ensure the lawfulness and complete transparency of its revenue and expenditure at least in the manner prescribed in this chapter.
(2) A political party may receive income only from the following sources:
1) membership fees established on the basis of the articles of association of the political party;
2) allocations from the state budget under this Act;
3) donations made on the terms and conditions laid down in this Act;
4) transactions with the property of the political party
Source: Law: Political Parties Act latest amended on 14 June 2012 § 12(1).
Verified: 2019/02/19
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments: § 57. Ascertaining of voting results in voting district committee
(1) A voting district committee shall open the ballot boxes after the close of voting. More than one-half of the members of the voting district committee shall be present at the opening.
Source: Electoral Law: Riigikogu Election Act as last amended 13 April 2016, § 57.
Verified: 2019/02/20
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
b . Always recounted
Comments: § 60. Ascertaining of voting results in county electoral committees
(1) On the basis of the records received from the voting district committees, the county electoral committees shall ascertain the number of voters entered in the lists, the number of voters who were given a ballot paper, the number of ballot papers extracted from the ballot boxes, including the number of invalid ballot papers, and the number of votes cast for candidates and political parties, and shall enter these numbers in a standard format record. The result obtained shall be checked by recounting the ballot papers.
Source: Electoral Law: Riigikogu Election Act as last amended on 13 April 2016, § 60: (1).
Verified: 2019/02/20
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments: The public service broadcaster does not carry any advertising, including political advertising. Political parties and candidates placed paid advertisements in private media. There is no regulation regarding the rates broadcasters may charge electoral subjects. Political advertising is not specifically defined under any law and, as a result, it is unclear which laws regulate it.
Source: OSCE/ODIHR Election Assessment Mission Report on the Parliamentary Elections in the Republic of Estonia on 6 March 2011 (Warsaw, 2011): http://www.osce.org/odihr/77557
Verified: 2015/03/03
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments: In line with its legal obligations, ETV1 organized five live debates for political parties. Four of them focused on thematic issues, and one was organized for party leaders on the eve of the elections. ETV2 held a debate in Russian. All political parties standing were invited to each debate. ETV1 also held a debate for independent candidates. The debates attracted high viewership and they received much comment in the online and print media.
Source: OSCE/ODIHR Election Assessment Mission Report on the Parliamentary Elections in the Republic of Estonia on 6 March 2011 (Warsaw, 2011): http://www.osce.org/odihr/77557
Verified: 2015/03/03
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
g . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2015/03/03
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments: The public service broadcaster does not carry any advertising, including political advertising. Political parties and candidates placed paid advertisements in private media. There is no regulation regarding the rates broadcasters may charge electoral subjects. Political advertising is not specifically defined under any law and, as a result, it is unclear which laws regulate it
Source: OSCE/ODIHR Election Assessment Mission Report on the Parliamentary Elections in the Republic of Estonia on 6 March 2011 (Warsaw, 2011): http://www.osce.org/odihr/77557
Verified: 2015/03/03
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: § 56: The supreme power of state shall be exercised by the people through citizens with the right to vote: 2) through a referendum.
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia with latest amendment on 6 May 2015 § 56, 65:(2), 105 & 162-168.
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2019/02/20
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Referendum Act:
§1:(1) The Riigikogu shall submit any amendment of Chapters 1 and 15 of the Constitution to a referendum. The Riigikogu may submit other draft Acts that amend the Constitution, and other draft Acts or other national issues to a referendum.
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia with latest amendment on 6 May 2015, § 56, 65, 105 & 162-168.
Law: Referendum Act latest amended 12 October 2016
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2019/02/20
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Law: § 1: (1) The Riigikogu shall submit any amendment of Chapters 1 and 15 of the Constitution to a referendum. The Riigikogu may submit other draft Acts that amend the Constitution, and other draft Acts or other national issues to a referendum.
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia with latest amendment on 6 May 2015, § 56, 65, 105 & 162-168.
Law: Referendum Act latest amended 12 October 2016
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2019/02/20
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: § 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)
Verified: 2019/02/20
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2015/03/03
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2015/03/03
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments: Referendum Act: § 4. Obligation to comply with decision of referendum
The decision of a referendum shall be binding for all state authorities.
Constitution, § 105: (3 )A law which is passed by a referendum is promptly promulgated by the President. The decision of the referendum is binding on all public bodies.
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia with latest amendment on 6 May 2015, § 105(3).
Law: Referendum Act latest amended 12 October 2016
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2019/02/20
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments: Law: § 1: (1) The Riigikogu shall submit any amendment of Chapters 1 and 15 of the Constitution to a referendum. The Riigikogu may submit other draft Acts that amend the Constitution, and other draft Acts or other national issues to a referendum.
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia with latest amendment on 6 May 2015, § 56, 65, 105 & 162-168.
Law: Referendum Act latest amended 12 October 2016
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2019/02/20
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2015/03/03
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections b . At any polling station in the same voting district d . At specially designated polling stations f . By mail j . Other
Comments: § 39. Voting
(1) A voter shall vote in the voting district where he or she is entered in the list of voters, except in the cases prescribed in §§ 41-45 and 47 and in Chapter 71 and 8 of this Act.
Source: Electoral Law: Riigikogu Election Act as last amended on 13 Apil 2016 §34, §38-47, §48(2), §52, §54 & §56.
Verified: 2019/02/20
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country c . Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation)
Comments: § 49. Preparation for voting
(1) Voting in a foreign state for voters permanently residing in the foreign state and voters temporarily staying there shall be organised by foreign missions of Estonia.
Source: Electoral Law: Riigikogu Election Act as last amended on 13 April 2016, ch. 8.
Verified: 2019/02/20
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies b . Consulates e . By mail f . Other
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Riigikogu Election Act last amended on 13 April 2016 § 49 (1)-(2), 52-54.
Verified: 2019/02/20
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots f . Internet
Comments: Manually or electronically
Source: Electoral Law: Riigikogu Election Act last amended on 13 April 2016 § 39 (1)-(8), §48 (4).
Verified: 2019/02/20
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