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Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Art.1.2. The national territory is divided into the circumscriptions electoral candidates[...] divided into each constituency based on population
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo unico delle leggi elettorali", Art. 1(2)
https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.del.presidente.della.repubblica:1957-03-30;361!vig=
Verified: 2020/07/18
BD002
Question: The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s):
d . A government department or agency f . Other
Comments: The constituency boundaries are established with a Presidential Decree. The Interior Ministry presents the boundary delimitations proposals to the President, based on the last census of the National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT).
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo unico delle leggi elettorali", Art. 3.
Verified: 2012/04/16
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population
Comments: For the election of the Chamber of Deputies, there are 26 constituencies. For the election of the Senate, the constituencies are 20 (one for each region). The seats for each constituency are distributed according to the population statistics (for example: Aosta Valley has one seat for the Chamber, while Puglia has 44).
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo unico delle leggi elettorali", Art.1
https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.del.presidente.della.repubblica:1957-03-30;361!vig=
Verified: 2020/07/18
BD004
Question: If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer:
a . Total population
Comments: Based on the last population census of the National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT).
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo unico delle leggi elettorali", Art. 3
https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.del.presidente.della.repubblica:1957-03-30;361!vig=
Verified: 2012/04/16
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
f . A government department or agency
Comments: The Central Directorate for Electoral Services ("Direzione Centrale dei Servizi Elettorali"), a department of the Ministry of Interior.
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo unico delle leggi elettorali", art. 3
https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.del.presidente.della.repubblica:1957-03-30;361!vig=
Verified: 2020/07/18
BD006
Question: What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
Answer(s):
a . Changes in number of total population j . National census
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 133
Electoral Law: "Testo unico delle leggi elettorali", art. 3
Verified: 2012/04/16
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
e . Elected by electoral college or committee
Comments: The President is elected in joint session of the parliament. Three delegates from every region, elected by the regional councils in a way guaranteeing minority representation, participate in the election as well (the only exception is the Aosta Valley, which is represented by one delegate only). Presidential elections, conducted by secret ballot, require a two-thirds majority of the assembly. After the third ballot a majority of the members is sufficient.
Source: Constitution, Art. 83
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Italy_2012?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/18
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The Prime Minister ("Presidente del Consiglio") is appointed by the President and confirmed by Parliament with a confidence vote.
Source: Constitution, Art. 92 and 94
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Italy_2012?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/18
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The President is the Head of State and represents the national unity. He is the "guarantor" of the Constitution.
Source: Constitution, Art. 87
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Italy_2012?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/18
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: The Parliament consists of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Republic. The Senate is elected on a regional basis.
Source: Constitution, Art. 55
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Italy_2012?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/18
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: It is a list proportional representation system with corrections: a "majority premium" and a threshold. The threshold is 10% for coalition and 4% for individual parties. In the coalition, the individual party must obtain at least 2% of the votes. 12 seats are reserved for the "foreign constituencies".
Source: Legislative Act: Law of 21 December 2005, n. 270
Electoral Law: "Testo unico delle leggi elettorali", art. 83
https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.del.presidente.della.repubblica:1957-03-30;361!vig=
Verified: 2020/07/18
ES006
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments: It is a proportional representation system. The seats in the Senate are distributed according to the percentage of votes received in each region. The minimum threshold is 20% for coalition and 3% for lists with no coalition (on a regional base). 12 seats are reserved to the "Abroad constituencies" (Circoscrizioni Estere).
Source: Legislative Act: Law of 21 December 2005, n. 270, Art. 4
Verified: 2012/04/16
ES007
Question: If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
Answer:
c . Largest Remainder Method (Quota)
Comments: For the Chamber of Deputies, the formula used for the attribution of the seats of proportional quota is the largest remainder method. The major party, however, get 340 seats. For the Senate, the largest remainder method is used. The party that received the majority of votes in a region, gets 55% of the seats assigned to that region.
Source: Legislative Act: Law of 21 December 2005, n. 270, Art. 1 and 4
Verified: 2012/04/16
ES008
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
Answer(s):
a . National level
Comments: In the Chamber of Deputies, seats are distributed on a national level.
Source: Legislative Act: "Testo Unico delle Leggi Elettorali", Art. 3
Verified: 2012/04/16
ES009
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
Answer(s):
c . Regional or provincial level
Comments: In the Senate, seats are distributed on a regional basis.
Source: Legislative Act: Law of 20 December 1993, n. 533, as amended ("Testo unico delle leggi recanti norme per l'elezione del Senato della Repubblica"), Art. 1
Verified: 2012/04/16
ES010
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Independent Lists that represent recognized linguistic minorities have special privileges: if they present themselves in one of the districts of a region with a special statute that provides for the protection of such linguistic minorities, they can have seats in the Parliament if they win 20% of the valid votes cast in that district.
Furthermore, 12 seats are reserved for the "Abroad Constituencies" ("Circoscrizioni Estere").
Source: Legislative Act: Law of 21 December 2005, n. 270, Art. 1
Constitution, art. 56
Verified: 2012/04/16
ES012
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: 6 seats are reserved for the "Abroad Constituencies" ("Circoscrizioni Estere"). Furthermore, special extra seats are reserved to the Senators appointed for life, ("Senatori a vita"). Former Presidents and distinguished people (appointed by the President) can become Senators for Life. Currently there are 6.
Source: Constitution, Art. 57 and 59
Verified: 2012/04/16
ES014
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
Answer:
b . Specify the percentage:
Comments: Single Parties must obtain more than 4% of the valid votes, coalitions more than 10% (and parties inside the coalition have a 2% threshold).
Source: Legislative Act: Law of 21 December 2005, n. 270, Art. 1(12)a,b
Verified: 2012/04/16
ES015
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
Answer:
b . Specify the percentage:
Comments: Single Parties or Lists must obtain at least 8% of the valid votes, coalition must obtain 20%.
Source: Legislative Act: Law of 21 December 2005, n. 270, Art. 4(7)b
Verified: 2012/04/16
ES016
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
Answer:
b . Specify the percentage:
Comments: Single Parties must obtain more than 4% of the valid votes.
Source: Legislative Act: Law of 21 December 2005, n. 270, Art. 1(12)b
Verified: 2012/04/16
ES017
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
Answer:
b . Specify the percentage:
Comments: Single Parties or Lists must obtain at least 8% of the valid votes.
Source: Legislative Act: Law of 21 December 2005, n. 270, Art. 4(7)b
Verified: 2012/04/16
ES018
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
a . At fixed intervals (specify length) b . Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
Comments: The Parliament has a 5 years mandate. However, the Chamber and the Senate can vote a "no confidence" initiative against the government. In this case, the President will dissolve one or both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate and call for new elections.
Source: Constitution, Art. 88 and 94
Verified: 2012/04/16
ES019
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
a . At fixed intervals (specify length) b . Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
Comments: The Parliament has a 5 years mandate. However, the Chamber and the Senate can vote a "no confidence" initiative against the government. In this event, the President will dissolve one or both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate and call for new elections.
Source: Constitution, Art. 88 and 94
Verified: 2012/04/16
ES020
Question: Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
b . Voting takes place over a period of 2 or more days
Comments: Voting takes place on two days.
Source: Legislative Act: "Testo Unico delle Leggi Elettorali", Art. 45
Verified: 2012/04/16
ES021
Question: Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
b . Voting takes place over a period of 2 or more days
Comments: Voting takes place on two days.
Source: Legislative Act: "Testo Unico delle Leggi Elettorali", art. 45;
Law of 20 December 1993, n. 533, as amended ("Testo unico delle leggi recanti norme per l'elezione del Senato della Repubblica"), Art. 22
Verified: 2012/04/16
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
Comments: The Constitution sets out the fundamental principles. Then, Parliamentary laws regulate the practical and procedural issues.
Source: Constitution, Art. 56:
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Italy_2012?lang=en
Electoral Law: "Testo Unico delle Leggi Elettorali"
https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.del.presidente.della.repubblica:1957-03-30;361!vig=
Verified: 2020/07/18
LF002
Question: What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
Answer:
a . January 2000 or later
Comments: The national electoral law was amended in December 2005.
Source: Electoral Law: Law of 21 December 2005, n. 270
Verified: 2012/04/16
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections c . Local elections d . Referendums e . Other
Comments: e) Elections to the European Parliament
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo Unico delle Leggi Elettorali"
https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.del.presidente.della.repubblica:1957-03-30;361!vig=
Verified: 2020/07/18
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: According to the Constitution, voting is a civic duty.
Source: Constitution, Art. 48
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Italy_2012?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/18
LF005
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
Answer:
b . National elections are held on the same day as regional and local elections
Comments: Holding national elections on the same day as regional and local elections is not compulsory.
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo unico delle leggi elettorali"
Verified: 2012/04/16
LF006
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
Answer(s):
c . Not applicable
Comments: The President is indirectly elected by the two Chambers.
Source: Constitution, Art. 83
Verified: 2012/04/16
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
c . Specially Appointed/Elected Electoral Tribunal
Comments: Regarding national elections: the National Central Electoral Office ("Ufficio elettorale centrale nazionale"), a special body instituted in the Supreme Court of Cassation and the Central Constituency Offices (“Ufficio centrale circoscrizionale”), instituted in the Court of Appeals (or the Tribunals) of the main towns of the constituencies.
Regarding municipal, regional and European Parliament elections: administrative courts of the relevant constituencies
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo Unico delle Leggi Elettorali", Art. 12 and 13;
https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.del.presidente.della.repubblica:1957-03-30;361!vig=
Code of Administrative Procedure, Art. 126, 130, 132
Verified: 2020/07/18
LF008
Question: If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
Answer(s):
c . Judiciary
Comments: Members of the National Central Electoral Office are appointed by the Court of Cassation. Members of the Constituency Offices are appointed by the heard of the Court of Appeal/Tribunal.
However, the Parliament is the ultimate judge. The Chamber of Deputies takes the final decision over electoral disputes and controversies. The Chamber also approves and publishes the final results.
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo Unico delle Leggi Elettorali", Art. 12, 13, 87
Verified: 2012/04/16
LF009
Question: Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Candidates b . Parties
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo Unico delle Leggi Elettorali", Art. 76
Verified: 2012/04/16
LF010
Question: What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: The Parliament is the ultimate judge. The Chamber of Deputies make the final decision over electoral disputes and controversies. The Chamber also approves and publishes the final results.
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo Unico delle Leggi Elettorali", Art. 87
Verified: 2012/04/16
LF011
Question: Which body(ies) proposes electoral reforms?
Answer(s):
b . Legislative Committee c . Government
Comments: The Parliament must approve the reform.
Source: Constitution, Art. 72
Verified: 2012/04/16
Electoral Management
EM001
Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
“Central Directorate for Electoral Services” (Direzione Centrale dei Servizi Elettorali), a department of the Ministry of Interior. This directorate coordinates the network of “Territorial Offices” of the Ministry of Interior (Uffici Territoriali del Governo or UTG, previously called the Prefetture) with branches located in every provincial capital of the Country.
Source
Official Website of the Ministry of Interior: http://www.interno.it/mininterno/export/sites/default/it/temi/elezioni/sottotema001.html (2012)
Verified
2010/07/20
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: Elections for the European Parliament and referendums as well.
Source: Electoral Laws (Testo unico delle leggi elettorali)
https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.del.presidente.della.repubblica:1957-03-30;361!vig=
Verified: 2020/07/18
EM003
Question: The national electoral management body reports to:
Answer(s):
d . A national government department
Comments: It is a department of the Ministry of Interior.
Source: Official Website of the Ministry of Interior: http://www.interno.it/mininterno/export/sites/default/it/temi/elezioni/sottotema001.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/16
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
d . A national government department
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/16
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
d . A national government department
Comments: The Ministry of Interior.
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/16
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
c . For an unspecified period
Comments: They are civil servants of the Ministry of Interior.
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/16
EM007
Question: The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: g) His/her appointment is regulated by the Ministry's regulations.
Source: Official Website of the Ministry of Interior: http://www.interno.it/mininterno/export/sites/default/it/sezioni/ministero/dipartimenti/dip_affari_interni/Direzione_centrale_dei_servizi_elettorali/index.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/16
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
a . Governmental
Comments: The Central Directorate for Electoral Services is a department in the Ministry of Interior.
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/16
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
f . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/07/18
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
e . No Information Available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/07/18
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
k . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2020/07/18
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):
i . Media
Comments: Since the announcement of the elections, private and public television channels must air the "Institutional Communications" of the Ministry of Interior. These communications inform the voters on the voting operations; they also explain the rules and schedules of the voting stations.
Source: Electoral Law: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 9.2
https://www.camera.it/parlam/leggi/00028l.htm
Verified: 2020/07/18
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
b . Election time only
Comments: Voter education programs start from the day that the elections are announced.
Source: Electoral Law: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 4.1
https://www.camera.it/parlam/leggi/00028l.htm
Verified: 2020/07/18
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
a . No m . No information available
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28
https://www.camera.it/parlam/leggi/00028l.htm
Verified: 2020/07/18
VE004
Question: What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
b . Media advertisement
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 9
Verified: 2012/04/16
VE005
Question: What types of civic education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28
Verified: 2012/04/16
VE006
Question: Special voter education programs were developed at the most recent national elections for:
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: There were no special voter education programs developed at the most recent election.
Source: Electoral Law: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28
Verified: 2012/04/16
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
g . Other (specify)
Comments: c) For the Chamber of Deputies, voters must be 18 years old by the day of the elections AND
g) For the Senate, voters must be 25 years old.
Source: Constitution, Art. 48 and 58 (1)
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Italy_2012?lang=en
Law No. 39 of 8 March 1975, Art. 14
https://www.normattiva.it/atto/caricaDettaglioAtto?atto.dataPubblicazioneGazzetta=1975-03-10&atto.codiceRedazionale=075U0039&queryString=%3FmeseProvvedimento%3D03%26formType%3Dricerca_semplice%26numeroArticolo%3D%26numeroProvvedimento%3D39%26testo%3D%26annoProvvedimento%3D1975%26giornoProvvedimento%3D8¤tPage=1
Verified: 2020/07/18
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: e) Prison inmates, and persons found guilty of certain crimes (Mafia association, for example) cannot vote.
Source: Constitution, Art. 48
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Italy_2012?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/18
VR003
Question: What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
Answer(s):
a . Criminal Incarceration c . Detention h . Other
Comments: Definitive criminal convictions and detention, and other types of convictions that forbid to hold or run for a public office.
Source: Constitution, Art. 48
Verified: 2012/04/16
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
c . Local Government Authority
Comments: The Electoral Office in every municipality prepare the electoral lists. The Electoral Office is composed of Municipal Electoral Commissions ("Commissione Elettorale Comunale") located in every municipality and of Territorial Electoral Commission ("Commissione Elettorale Circondariale") with offices in every provincial capital.
Source: Presidential Decree of 20 March 1967, n. 223, Art. 4-bis, 5, 6, 12
Verified: 2020/07/18
VR005
Question: What is the registration method for national elections?
Answer:
c . No registration required
Comments: Voters’ lists are generated from the national population records maintained by a Civil Registry Authority (“Anagrafe”).
Source: Presidential Decree of 20 March 1967, n. 223, Art. 4(2)
Verified: 2012/04/16
VR006
Question: How frequently is the voters register updated?
Answer:
c . Periodically (or before each election)
Comments: Every six months
Source: Presidential Decree of 20 March 1967, n. 223, Art. 7
Verified: 2012/04/16
VR007
Question: What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
Answer(s):
a . Links to national population records
Comments:
Source: Presidential Decree of 20 March 1967, n. 223, Art. 8
Verified: 2012/04/16
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: All citizens are automatically registered as voters.
Source: Presidential Decree of 20 March 1967, n. 223, Art. 1
Verified: 2020/07/18
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):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement)
Comments: Parties must register and deposit a minimum of 1500 signatures and a maximum of 4500 (the number of signatures required depends on the number of voters in the constituency, "circoscrizioni").
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo Unico delle Leggi Elettorali", Art. 14-20
https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.del.presidente.della.repubblica:1957-03-30;361!vig=
Verified: 2020/07/18
PC002
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement)
Comments: Parties must register and deposit a minimum of 1000 signatures and a maximum of 5000 (the number of signatures required depends on the number of voters in the constituency, "circoscrizioni").
No registration and submission of signature is required for political parties that are already represented in the Parliament, or for parties that represent a linguistic minority and have gained at least one seat in the last parliamentary elections.
Source: Electoral Law of 20 December 1993, n. 533 ("Testo unico delle leggi recanti norme per l'elezione del Senato della Repubblica"), Art.9
Verified: 2012/04/16
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: To present oneself to be a candidate for the parliamentary elections one must:
1) be 25 years old by the day of the elections,
2) have all the qualifications to exercise his/her voting rights (most importantly: citizenship and no legal conviction that prohibits to hold public office),
3) not hold some specific public positions already (military officials and magistrates for example).
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo Unico delle Leggi Elettorali", Art. 7-10
https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.del.presidente.della.repubblica:1957-03-30;361!vig=
Verified: 2020/07/18
PC004
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship
Comments: The legal qualifications to become a candidate for the elections of the Senate are:
1) to be 40 years old by the day of the elections,
2) to be eligible to be a candidate for the Chamber of Deputies.
Source: Electoral Law of 20 December 1993, n. 533 ("Testo unico delle leggi recanti norme per l'elezione del Senato della Repubblica"), Art.5
Verified: 2012/04/16
PC005
Question: What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
j . Other k . Not applicable
Comments: Presidential elections are not held. The President is elected by a special session of the Parliament. In this session, the members of the Chamber of Deputies, the members of the Senate, and three representatives for each region (elected by the regional councils). The President is elected with 2/3 of the votes.
The candidate President must :
1) be 50 years old,
2) be an Italian citizen,
3) have all the qualifications to excercise his civil and political rights,
4) not hold any other office.
Source: Constitution, Art 83-85
Verified: 2012/04/16
PC006
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
Answer(s):
a . Current criminal incarceration c . Criminal record g . Holding of government office k . Mental health problems n . Holding of other public offices (police etc.) o . Other
Comments: A candidate is disqualified from legislative elections when he/she is unable to exercise civil and political rights (for a criminal conviction, mental health problems, etc.). Candidates cannot hold other public offices and positions at the same time (in the Regional Councils for example), cannot be judges, diplomatic officials, and administrators of companies that hold business relations with the Public Administration or the State.
Source: Presidential Decree of 28 March 1967, n. 223;
Electoral Law of 9 January 2006, n.5, Art. 5
Presidential Decree of 30 March 1957, n. 361, as amended by the electoral law of 21 December 2005 n.270, Art. 7-10
Verified: 2012/04/16
PC007
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
o . Not applicable
Comments: President is not elected by the citizens directly, but by a special session of the Chamber of Deputies, the Senate and regional representatives.
Source: Constitution, Art. 83-85
Verified: 2012/04/16
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
c . In legislative elections (Chamber 1) d . In legislative elections (Chamber 2)
Comments: Independent candidates must present themselves with their own Party or List. The Parties and the Lists must simply register and submit the signatures.
Source: Eletoral Law: "Testo Unico delle Leggi Elettorali", art. 14
https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.del.presidente.della.repubblica:1957-03-30;361!vig=
Electoral Law of 20 December 1993, n. 533 ("Testo unico delle leggi recanti norme per l'elezione del Senato della Repubblica"), Art. 8
Verified: 2020/07/18
PC009
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify)
Comments: It is the same for all Parties and Lists. They must register and present the signatures.
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo Unico delle Leggi Elettorali", Art. 14
Verified: 2012/04/16
PC010
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify)
Comments: They must register and present the signatures.
Source: Electoral Law of 20 December 1993, n. 533 ("Testo unico delle leggi recanti norme per l'elezione del Senato della Repubblica"), Art. 8
Verified: 2012/04/16
PC011
Question: If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
e . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2010/06/16
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments: Political Parties receive direct funding on an annual base. On this amount of money, they do not pay taxes. Parties also receive indirect funding during the electoral campaign: city councils and provincial councils must let them use public infrastructure and buildings for their campaigns.
Source: Law of 3 June 1999, n. 157, Art. 1 and 5
Verified: 2020/07/18
PC013
Question: If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
Answer(s):
c . As related to the election period and between elections
Comments: The fixed amount of public funding is: €5 x [the number of voters registered]. Each party receive a share of the total amount, based on the percentage of votes received. The party receive this amount on an annual base (every 31st of July) for five years (the term of a legislature).
Source: Law of 3 June 1999, n. 157 as amended by the Law of 26 July 2002, n. 156, Art. 2
Verified: 2012/04/16
PC014
Question: If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
Answer(s):
a . Free media access b . Tax credits d . Other
Comments: Parties receive indirect funding during the electoral campaign: city councils and provincial councils must let them use public infrastructure and buildings for their campaigns. Furthermore, parties do not pay administrative taxes for their activities.
Source: Law of 3 June 1999, n. 157, Art. 5
Verified: 2012/04/16
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
e . Other
Comments: The total amount of public funding to electoral campaign is calculated in this manner: 1.00€ x [Number of Voters Registered in the Election]. This total amount is later divided according to the results of the elections. The parties receive the same amount annually for 5 years (whether the legislature lasts 5 years or not).
All the parties that gained more than 1% of the votes are entitled to receive public funding.
Source: Law of 26 July 2002, n. 156, Art. 2
Verified: 2020/07/18
PC016
Question: If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
Answer(s):
b . Election campaign activities
Comments: The specified purpose is to cover the campaign expenses for the elections of the House of Deputies, the Senate, the European Parliament, and the Regional Councils.
Source: Law of 3 June 1999, n. 157, Art. 1
Verified: 2012/04/16
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Parties are entitled to private funding related to the electoral campaign and not related to it. During the electoral campaign, a special "Tax Regime" on private funding to parties allows them not to pay any tax on these funds.
Source: Law of 10 December 1993, n.515, as amended by the Law of 27 January 2006, n. 22;
Law of 2 May 1974, n. 195, Art. 7
Verified: 2020/07/18
PC018
Question: If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
Answer(s):
c . As related to the election period and between elections
Comments: Parties are entitled to private funding related to the electoral campaign and not related to it. During the electoral campaign, a special "Tax Regime" on private funding to parties allows them not to pay any tax on these funds.
Source: Law of 10 December 1993, n.515, as amended by the Law of 27 January 2006, n. 22;
Law of 2 May 1974, n. 195, Art. 7
Verified: 2012/04/16
PC019
Question: Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
a . Public disclosure of party contributions received e . Ceilings on party election expenses h . Publication or public access to contribution and / or expenditure reports
Comments: There is a fixed party expenditure limit: € 1,00 per citizen registered in the constituencies where the party is running.
Candidates submit individually a report on the contributions received.
Source: Law of 10 December 1993, n.515, Art. 10;
Law of 27 January 2006, n.22, Art. 22
Verified: 2012/04/16
PC020
Question: Which of the following candidate financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
a . Public disclosure of candidate contributions received e . Ceilings on candidate election expenses h . Publication or public access to contribution and / or expenditure reports
Comments: There is a fixed candidate expenses limit: € 52.000 for each constituency. In addition to this amount, candidates can spend € 0,01 per citizen registered in that constituency.
Furthermore, candidates must draft and submit to a special Regional Board ("Collegio Regionale di Garanzia Elettorale") a public report on the contributions received (the ones above € 20.000).
Source: Law of 10 December 1993, n.515, Art. 7;
Law of 27 January 2006, n.22, Art. 3
Verified: 2012/04/16
PC021
Question: Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
Answer(s):
b . Regulated body specially created for this purpose d . Other
Comments: The parties, lists and groups must present an election spending report to the heads of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. Furthermore, a special Regional Board("Collegio Regionale di Garanzia Elettorale") is created at the regional Court of Appeal to monitor and guarantee the fairness of the elections.
Source: Law of 10 December 1993, n.515, Art. 12 and 13
Verified: 2012/04/16
Vote Counting
VC001
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Single ballot (all registered parties listed) f . Same ballot papers used nationwide h . Party symbols in color
Comments: Ballots have a special stamp on them, and they must be signed by an electoral official. A copy/reproduction of the ballot is attached to the Electoral Law.
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo unico delle leggi elettorali", Art.4 and 58
Verified: 2012/04/16
VC002
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
a . Single ballot (all registered parties listed) f . Same ballot papers used nationwide h . Party symbols in color o . Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station official
Comments: Ballots have a special stamp on them, and they must be signed by an electoral official. A copy/reproduction of the ballot is attached to the Electoral Law.
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo unico delle leggi elettorali", art.4 and 58
Verified: 2012/04/16
VC003
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
s . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2010/07/14
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:
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo unico delle leggi elettorali", Art. 67
https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.del.presidente.della.repubblica:1957-03-30;361!vig=
Verified: 2020/07/18
VC005
Question: What procedures are used in the initial count?
Answer(s):
c . Tally of voters who voted d . Number of ballots in box reconciled against number of voters e . Number of ballots reconciled against ballots initially received (minus spoilt and unused) f . Each ballot paper held up for public scrutiny, with name of party/candidate called out loud l . Counted by hand
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo unico delle leggi elettorali", art.67 and 68
Verified: 2012/04/16
VC006
Question: Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
Answer(s):
c . District level d . Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)
Comments: The results (together with the minutes of the vote counting operations and related documents) are sent to the Chancellery of the closest Court or Tribunal ("Cancelleria del Tribunale"). A copy of the minutes is also sent to the closest municipality ("Comune"). The ballot boxes are sealed and they are sent to the prefect's office ("Prefettura").
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo unico delle leggi elettorali", Art. 75
Verified: 2012/04/16
VC007
Question: At what levels are seats allocated?
Answer(s):
b . District level c . Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)
Comments: b) At the Constituency level
c) For the Senate the seats are allocated on a regional level.
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo unico delle leggi elettorali", art.1
Verified: 2012/04/16
VC008
Question: How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
Answer(s):
a . Physically transported
Comments: It is not specified. The minutes of the vote counting operations are physically transported, but the results must be "immediately" transmitted.
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo unico delle leggi elettorali", Art. 75
Verified: 2012/04/16
VC009
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
Answer(s):
a . Ballots b . Unused and spoiled ballots f . Certificate of result g . Ballot boxes h . Other
Comments: All of the above must be sealed and a special stamp must be put on their containers/folders. The minutes of the vote counting operations must be physically transported as well.
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo unico delle leggi elettorali", Art. 73 and 75
Verified: 2012/04/16
VC010
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
Answer(s):
c . Signatures on sealed envelopes e . Accompanied by election officials j . Other
Comments: A special stamp is also put on the sealed envelopes.
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo unico delle leggi elettorali", Art. 75
Verified: 2012/04/16
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
b . Always recounted
Comments: The ballots are handed to the Central Constituency Office ("Ufficio centrale circoscrizionale"), where the judiciary will re-examine and re-count them.
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo unico delle leggi elettorali", Art. 76
https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.del.presidente.della.repubblica:1957-03-30;361!vig=
Verified: 2020/07/18
VC012
Question: If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo unico delle leggi elettorali", art. 76
Verified: 2012/04/16
VC013
Question: If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: The Central Constituency Office ("Ufficio centrale circoscrizionale"), a temporary body in the Court or Tribunal close to the constituency.
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo unico delle leggi elettorali", Art. 76
Verified: 2012/04/16
VC014
Question: If recounted, who conducts the recount?
Answer(s):
h . Courts
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo unico delle leggi elettorali", Art. 76
Verified: 2012/04/16
VC015
Question: Are preliminary results announced?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Results for every constituency are immediately transmitted to the municipality. There everybody has the right to access them. In the ministry of Interior, a special press conference is organized: results are announced as the sections of the constituencies transmit them.
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo unico delle leggi elettorali", Art. 76;
Ministry of Interior: www.interno.it (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/16
VC017
Question: Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo unico delle leggi elettorali", Art. 76
Verified: 2012/04/16
VC018
Question: How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
Answer:
b . days:
Comments: By 2.00 of the day after the elections, all sections of the constituencies must have transmitted the results.
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo unico delle leggi elettorali", Art. 73
Verified: 2012/04/16
Media and Elections
ME002
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned d . Owned by political parties
Comments:
Source: Law: "Testo unico della radiotelevisione", Art. 1 and 2
Verified: 2012/04/16
ME003
Question: Which of the following types of television stations are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned d . Owned by political parties
Comments:
Source: Law: "Testo unico della radiotelevisione", Art. 1 and 2
Verified: 2012/04/16
ME004
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned d . Owned by political parties
Comments:
Source: Law of 8 February 1948, n. 47, Art. 5
Verified: 2012/04/17
ME005
Question: Which of the following do you believe best describes the print media situation at the national level in your country?
Answer:
d . No government newspaper: competition between two or more major private newspapers
Comments: d) But newspapers are often tied to political parties.
Source:
Verified: 2010/07/22
ME006
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private radio stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60%
Comments: 82.8% of the population
Source:
Verified: 2010/07/22
ME008
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private television stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60%
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2010/07/22
ME014
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the public television stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60%
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2010/07/22
ME015
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the national level programming of the public radio stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60 %
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2010/07/22
ME016
Question: In your opinion, upon which types of media at national level in your country do citizens most rely as a source of information? Mark the most important source with 1, and the second most important source with 2:
Answer(s):
d . Public television f . Private television h . Other (specify)
Comments: In 2011, 80,9% of Italians relied on television as a source of information and a 41,4% makes use of the internet.
Source: Report: 2011 Censis Report on Communications ("Rapporto del Censis sulla Comunicazione"): http://www.corriere.it/cronache/11_luglio_13/internet-italiani-navigano_d17d9790-ad26-11e0-83b2-951b61194bdf.shtml (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/17
ME020
Question: Who grants licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Answer:
a . Government
Comments: The procedure involves: the Ministry of Communications and the Communications Regulatory Authority.
Source: Law of 6 August 1990, n. 223, Art. 3;
Legislative decree of 31 July 2005, n. 177 ("Testo unico della radiotelevisione")
Verified: 2012/04/17
ME021
Question: Who is allowed to hold broadcasting licenses?
Answer(s):
b . Private companies g . Other
Comments: Any private actor. In particular: public limited companies, Ltd's and cooperatives.
Source: Law of 31 July 1997, n. 249;
Legislative decree of 31 July 2005, n. 177 ("Testo unico della radiotelevisione")
Verified: 2012/04/17
ME023
Question: Are any journalists currently imprisoned or facing criminal charges for exercising their profession?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2010/07/02
ME024
Question: What legal instruments are used to regulate media coverage of elections?
Answer(s):
a . Law
Comments:
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28
Verified: 2012/04/17
ME025
Question: Which of the following bodies or agencies has a responsibility in the regulation of media coverage of elections?
Answer(s):
a . Statutory regulator (e.g. broadcasting licensing body) d . Legislature
Comments: The Parliamentary Commission for the broadcasting services ("Commissione parlamentare per l'indirizzo generale e la vigilanza dei servizi radiotelevisivi"), and the independent Communications Regulatory Authority (Agcom - "Autorità per le garanzie nelle comunicazioni").
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 4
Verified: 2012/04/17
ME026
Question: What form does the responsibility, if any, of the EMB to regulate media coverage of elections take?
Answer(s):
d . Other (specify)
Comments: d) No responsibility
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28
Verified: 2012/04/16
ME027
Question: Does the EMB monitor media coverage of elections?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28
Verified: 2012/04/16
ME028
Question: What form does the authority, if any, of the EMB to enforce remedies or sanctions against the media in case of breach of the rules on media coverage of elections take?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments: d) The Communications Regulatory Authority (Agcom - "Autorità per le garanzie nelle comunicazioni") and the Parliamentary Committee have this power.
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 10
Verified: 2012/04/16
ME029
Question: Do political parties or candidates have a right to have their replies to inaccurate or misleading media coverage published promptly and free of charge?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 10
Verified: 2012/04/16
ME030
Question: What is the legal liability of the media if they report unlawful statements by candidates during election campaigns (e.g. defamatory or inflammatory speeches)?
Answer(s):
b . Administrative sanction c . Other (specify)
Comments: For any types of violation, the Communications Regulatory Authority (Agcom) can impose sanctions and fines (1.000-20.000€). The authority then reports to the judiciary, and a file opens in the Administrative Tribunal of Lazio.
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 10
Verified: 2012/04/16
ME031
Question: Have the media or journalists' organisations adopted a code of ethics specific to elections? Please send us a copy.
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Journalist Organization Official Website: http://www.odg.it/leggi_norme/Deontologia?title= (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/17
ME033
Question: Which body, if any, is responsible for regulating free or paid access of political parties or candidates to the media during election campaigns.
Answer:
b . Other (specify)
Comments: The Parliamentary Commission on Communications ("Commissione parlamentare per l'indirizzo generale e la vigilanza dei servizi radiotelevisivi") and the Communications Regulatory Authority (Agcom - "Autorità per le garanzie nelle comunicazioni").
Source: Law of 31 July 1997, n. 249, Art. 2
Verified: 2012/04/16
ME034
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments: It is mandatory for publicly-owned radio stations, and optional for privately-owned ones. The The Communications Regulatory Authority (Agcom) strictly regulates this type of advertisement.
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 3 and 4
Verified: 2012/04/16
ME035
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments: It is mandatory for publicly-owned television stations, and optional for privately-owned ones. The Communications Regulatory Authority (Agcom) strictly regulates this type of advertisement.
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 3 and 4
Verified: 2012/04/16
ME036
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide political parties with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
c . Privately owned
Comments: The Communications Regulatory Authority (Agcom) regulates this type of advertisement. Equal conditions for all parties must be applied.
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 7
Verified: 2012/04/16
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):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments:
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 1;
Legislative decree of 31 July 2005, n. 177 ("Testo unico della radiotelevisione"), Art. 7(2)c
Verified: 2020/07/18
ME039
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments: It is mandatory for the publicly-owned radio stations and optional for the privately-owned ones. The Communications Regulatory Authority (Agcom) strictly regulates this type of advertisement.
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 3 and 4
Verified: 2012/04/16
ME040
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments: It is mandatory for the publicly-owned television stations and optional for the privately-owned ones. The Communications Regulatory Authority (Agcom) strictly regulates this type of advertisement.
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 3 and 4
Verified: 2012/04/17
ME041
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspaper provide individual candidates (legislative) with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
c . Privately owned
Comments: The Communications Regulatory Authority (Agcom) regulates this type of advertisement. Equal conditions for all parties must be granted.
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 7
Verified: 2012/04/17
ME042
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size and previous performance
Comments: The Communications Regulatory Authority (Agcom) strictly regulates this type of advertisement.
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 1 and 4;
Legislative decree of 31 July 2005, n. 177 ("Testo unico della radiotelevisione"), Art. 7(2)c
Verified: 2012/04/17
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments:
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 4;
Legislative decree of 31 July 2005, n. 177 ("Testo unico della radiotelevisione"), Art. 7
Verified: 2020/07/18
ME061
Question: Which of the following information in reporting the results of opinion polls are required to be disclosed by law?
Answer(s):
a . Person or agency that commissioned the opinion poll c . Characteristics of the sample d . Size of the sample f . Other
Comments: a) The agency/body/institution that carried out the poll,
b) how the information was collected and elaborated,
c) the questions that were asked,
d) the percentage of people that answered each question,
e) the exact date of the poll
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 8
Verified: 2012/04/17
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:
f . 10 or more days
Comments: 15 days
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 8
Verified: 2020/07/18
ME063
Question: Where, if at all, may exit polls be carried out?
Answer(s):
b . Outside the polling station
Comments:
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 8
Verified: 2012/04/17
ME064
Question: If exit polls are permitted, when can the results be disseminated via the media?
Answer(s):
b . After all polls close
Comments:
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 8
Verified: 2012/04/17
ME065
Question: When are the media, by law, allowed to report preliminary election results?
Answer:
b . After all polls close, before official results are available
Comments: The Ministry of Interior sets up a special conference where the results are gradually updated. All journalists are invited.
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 8
Verified: 2012/04/17
ME066
Question: Are the media allowed to project/predict winners before the final results are available?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 8
Verified: 2012/04/17
ME067
Question: What resources does the EMB have for its work with the media?
Answer(s):
e . Other (specify)
Comments: The Communications Regulatory Authority (Agcom) collaborates with the media on electoral matters.
Source: Communications Regulatory Authority Official Website: www.agcom.it (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/17
ME068
Question: Have staff responsible for media relations received training for this work?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Communications Regulatory Authority Official Website: www.agcom.it (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/17
ME069
Question: Which of the following has the EMB produced or organised?
Answer(s):
b . Press releases c . Press conferences/briefings d . Pre-recorded radio or TV slots e . Web site
Comments:
Source: Ministry of Interior Official Website: http://www.interno.it/mininterno/export/sites/default/it/temi/elezioni/ (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/17
ME070
Question: Has the EMB provided or facilitated training for journalists in how the electoral process works?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2010/07/22
ME071
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations, provide free broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 9
Verified: 2012/04/17
ME072
Question: Which of the following television stations provide free broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 9
Verified: 2012/04/17
ME074
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide paid broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments: It is always free and regulated by the Communications Regulatory Authority (Agcom).
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 9
Verified: 2012/04/17
ME075
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide paid broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments: It is always free and regulated by the Communications Regulatory Authority (Agcom).
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 9
Verified: 2012/04/17
ME077
Question: What steps does the EMB take to make sure that it is communicating its message to the media?
Answer(s):
e . None of the above
Comments: The Communications Regulatory Authority (Agcom) releases the rules and regulations, and then monitors the media.
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 9
Verified: 2012/04/17
ME078
Question: Which of the following do you judge to be significant barriers to the EMB in communicating its message to the media?
Answer(s):
b . Insufficient training of staff with responsibility for media relations
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2010/07/22
ME079
Question: Overall, how effective do you judge the EMB's ability to communicate through the media during election campaigns to be?
Answer:
b . Quite effective
Comments:
Source: http://elezioni.interno.it/
Verified: 2012/04/17
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: The law does not specify any limit on paid advertising, but refers to the provisions on electoral expenditures of the Electoral Law.
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 11
Verified: 2020/07/18
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: In the Constitution.
Source: Constitution, Art. 71, 75, 87, 123, 132 and 138
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Italy_2012?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/18
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 75
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Italy_2012?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/18
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The referendum request must be signed by 500,000 voters or presented by at least five regional councils. In a referendum, citizens are asked to vote to amend or repeal a law or other legal binding acts. No referendum is allowed for tax or budget laws, amnesties, pardons, or ratification of international treaties. The referendum succeeds if a majority of those eligible to vote have participated and if the proposal has received a majority of the valid votes.
Another article of the Constitution regulates referendums for laws amending the Constitution and other constitutional acts. Such laws are submitted to popular referendum when, within three months of their publication, a request is made by one fifth of the members of either chamber, by 500.000 voters, or by five regional councils. No referendum may be carried out if the law has been approved by each chamber with a two thirds majority in the second round.
Source: Constitution, Art. 75 and 138
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Italy_2012?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/18
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: 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
Verified: 2020/07/18
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: 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
Verified: 2020/07/18
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 75
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Italy_2012?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/18
DD008
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 75
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD010
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 71
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD100
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
c . Requirement for signature collectors to be registered electors
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 71
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD101
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a recall?
Answer(s):
c . Requirement for signature collectors to be registered electors e . Other (specify)
Comments: The type and format of papers. Furthermore, the signatures must be delivered in 3 months.
Source: Law of 25 May 1970, n. 352, Art. 27
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD102
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a referendum?
Answer:
a . All signatures checked
Comments: The signatures are checked by the judiciary (in the Court or Tribunal of the constituency). Furthermore, the mayors of the cities/towns/villages must provide the voters lists (to check if the people who signed are actually registered).
Source: Law of 25 May 1970, n. 352, Art. 7
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD103
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
a . All signatures checked c . Other (specify)
Comments: The signatures are checked by the judiciary (in the Court or Tribunal of the constituency). Furthermore, the mayors of the cities/towns/villages must provide the voters lists (to check if the people who signed are actually registered).
Source: Law of 25 May 1970, n. 352, Art. 48
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD104
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD105
Question: Who is responsible for checking the signatures?
Answer(s):
c . Local authorities d . Other (specify)
Comments: d) The judiciary
Source: Law of 25 May 1970, n. 352, Art. 7
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD106
Question: Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a referendum?
Answer(s):
b . Other government department
Comments: b) The Ministry of Interior
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 9
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD107
Question: Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in an initiative?
Answer(s):
b . Other government department
Comments: b) The Ministry of Interior
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 9
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD108
Question: Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a recall?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD109
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a referendum?
Answer(s):
c . Radio broadcasts d . TV broadcasts g . Other(specify)
Comments: g) Posters
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 9
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD011
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 71
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD110
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for an initiative?
Answer(s):
c . Radio broadcasts d . TV broadcasts
Comments:
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 9
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD111
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a recall?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD114
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a recall?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD115
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for a referendum?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD116
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for an initiative?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD117
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for a recall?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD118
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a referendum? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
c . All campaign organisations
Comments: All campaign organizations are entitled to 1 € for every signature that they collect (for a maximum of 2.582.285 €). They will receive the money only if the quorum is reached in the referendum.
Source: Law of 3 June 1999, n. 157, Art. 1(4)
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD119
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for an initiative? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
c . All campaign organisations
Comments: All campaign organizations are entitled to 1 € for every signature that they collect (for a maximum of 2.582.285 € a year). They will receive the money only if the quorum is reached in the referendum.
Source: Law of 3 June 1999, n. 157, Art. 1(4)
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD012
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD120
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a recall? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD121
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a referendum? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
a . Financial grant
Comments: A reimbursement is provided to all organizations that collected the signatures.
Source: Law of 3 June 1999, n. 157, Art. 1(4)
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD122
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for an initiative? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
a . Financial grant
Comments: A reimbursement is provided to all organizations that collected the signatures.
Source: Law of 3 June 1999, n. 157, Art. 1(4)
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD123
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a recall? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD125
Question: Is the government permitted to campaign either in favour of or against any specific outcome to a referendum, initiatives or recall vote?
Answer(s):
b . No
Comments:
Source: Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 2(1)
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD127
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign for a recall?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD015
Question: Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Government (specify department)
Comments: a) The Ministry of Interior, specifically the Central Directorate on Electoral Services ("Direzione Centrale dei Servizi Elettorali").
Source: Ministry of Interior Official Website: http://www.interno.it/mininterno/export/sites/default/it/temi/elezioni/sottotema001.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD016
Question: Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Ministry of Interior Official Website: http://www.interno.it/mininterno/export/sites/default/it/temi/elezioni/sottotema001.html (2012)
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD017
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments: On a regional level, a referendum must be called to create or modify regions (it is mandatory to have the majority of the votes of the population in that region).
Source: Constitution, Art. 132
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD018
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments: All regional councils can pass their own law regulating the referendum on regional matters.
Source: Constitution, Art. 123
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD019
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
b . Yes, in some regions/states/provinces
Comments: All regional councils can pass their own law regulating the referendum on regional matters.
Source: Constitution, Art. 123
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD020
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
b . Yes, in some regions/states/provinces
Comments: All regional councils can pass their own law regulating the referendum on regional matters.
Source: Constitution, Art. 123
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD021
Question: Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD022
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: Municipalities and provinces can call for a referendum to join a region different from their own.
Source: Constitution, Art. 132
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD023
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments: Only in regional level
Source: Constitution, Art. 123
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD024
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2010/07/16
DD025
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2010/07/16
DD026
Question: Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD027
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments: There a no mandatory referendums at national level.
Source: Constitution, Art. 71, 75, 87, 123 and 138
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD028
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional amendments j . Other (specify)
Comments: On a national level, all laws can be subject to a referendum (with important exceptions, such as budget laws and law ratifying international treaties). Constitutional amendments are regulated by special provisions.
Source: Constitution, Art. 75 and 138
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD029
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
Answer(s):
b . Adoption of international treaties h . Taxes and public expenditure commitments j . Other (specify)
Comments: j) Also laws regarding amnesties and pardons
Source: Constitution, Art. 75
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD030
Question: Which issues, if any, maybe the subject of sub-national referendums regulated at the national level?
Answer(s):
b . Creation/merger/abolition of sub-national authorities
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 123
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD031
Question: Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
Answer(s):
d . Legislative majority e . Registered electors f . Other (specify)
Comments: f) Also Regional Councils. In this case, the President is the one who announces it.
Source: Constitution, Art. 75, 87 and 138
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD032
Question: Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD033
Question: Who is responsible for drafting the optional referendum question?
Answer(s):
f . Other (specify who)
Comments: f) The organization groups or the regional council that make the formal request for referendum must present a draft. The judiciary (the Court of Cassation, "Corte di Cassazione") examines and approves it, if the question is drafted correctly.
Source: Law of 25 May 1970, n. 352, Art. 9 and 28
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD034
Question: Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD035
Question: Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the optional referendum question?
Answer(s):
a . The title of the proposal b . The numbers of the articles or paragraphs of the legal instruments to which changes are proposed
Comments:
Source: Law of 25 May 1970, n. 352, Art. 27
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD036
Question: Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for mandatory referendums?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD037
Question: Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for optional referendums?
Answer(s):
e . Other (specify who)
Comments: E) An ad hoc Central Office in the Court of Cassation ("Corte di Cassazione")
Source: Law of 25 May 1970, n. 352, Art. 32
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD040
Question: What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD041
Question: What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
a . Simple majority (>50%)
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 75 and 138
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD042
Question: In which areas, if any, do regulatory provisions differ between a referendum and a national election? Tick all that apply and specify below in the comments section.
Answer(s):
g . None
Comments:
Source: Law of 25 May 1970, n. 352, Art. 35
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD043
Question: When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD044
Question: When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
Answer:
b . Under certain circumstances (specify below)
Comments: It is mandatory if the quorum (50% voter turnout) was reached and 50% of the voters approved it.
Source: Constitution, Art. 75
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD045
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
b . Legislative proposals
Comments: Citizens can present proposals to amend or repeal a law.
Source: Constitution, Art. 75
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD046
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 71
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD047
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
k . None
Comments: No limits for the citizen's initiative are specified.
Source: Constitution, Art. 71
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD048
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD049
Question: Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
a . A number of individuals
Comments: a) 50,000 voters can sign a request and present it to the Parliament (to one of the two Chambers).
Source: Constitution, Art. 71
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD050
Question: Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD051
Question: What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
Answer(s):
d . Other (specify)
Comments: d) The application must be drafted in articles.
Source: Constitution, Art. 71
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD052
Question: Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
a . Proponents of the initiative
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 71
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD053
Question: Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
Answer:
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD054
Question: Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD055
Question: Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments: The request must be presented to one of the two Chambers. The Chamber or the Senate will then validate or invalidate it.
Source: Law of 25 May 1970, n. 352, Art. 48(2)
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD056
Question: Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
Answer(s):
a . An automatic check is part of the initiative process
Comments:
Source: Law of 25 May 1970, n. 352, Art. 6, 7 and 48
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD057
Question: If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, who is responsible for undertaking it?
Answer(s):
d . Legislature
Comments: d) Either the Chamber of Deputies or the Senate receive the initiative. One of them will validate or invalidate it.
Source: Law of 25 May 1970, n. 352, Art. 48(2)
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD058
Question: If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
Answer(s):
c . After its submission but before the vote on the initiative
Comments:
Source: Law of 25 May 1970, n. 352, Art. 48
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD059
Question: Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD060
Question: At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD061
Question: What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD062
Question: When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD063
Question: Who decides the final ballot text?
Answer(s):
c . Legislature
Comments:
Source: Law of 25 May 1970, n. 352, Art. 48
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD064
Question: Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
Answer:
c . Other (specify)
Comments: c) There is no specified time limit. The Chamber of Deputies or the Senate act according to their internal regulations.
Source: Law of 25 May 1970, n. 352, Art. 48
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD065
Question: Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
Answer(s):
k . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD066
Question: What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD068
Question: If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD069
Question: When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD071
Question: Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD076
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional) has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: c) The signatures must already be collected before the proposal for an repealing referendum is presented.
Source: Constitution, Art. 75
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD077
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a rejective referendum (optional) has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: c) The signatures must already be collected before the proposal for a referendum is presented.
Source: Constitution, Art. 75
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD078
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a citizens' initiative has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: c) The signatures must already be collected before an iniciative is presented.
Source: Constitution, Art. 71
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD079
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an agenda initiative has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD080
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
a . Signatories must be registered
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 75;
Law of 25 May 1970, n. 352, Art. 7
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD081
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
a . Signatories must be registered
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 75;
Law of 25 May 1970, n. 352, Art. 7
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD082
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
a . Signatories must be registered
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 71;
Law of 25 May 1970, n. 352, Art. 7
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD083
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD085
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for recall has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD086
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a recall?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD087
Question: Where can proposals for an abrogative referendum (optional) be signed?
Answer(s):
a . Anywhere
Comments: a) Even from abroad, but always on special papers.
Source: Law of 25 May 1970, n. 352, Art. 7(2) and 7(4)
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD088
Question: Where can proposals for a rejective referendum (optional) be signed?
Answer(s):
a . Anywhere
Comments: a) Even from abroad, but always on special papers.
Source: Law of 25 May 1970, n. 352, Art. 7(2) and 7(4)
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD089
Question: Where can proposals for a citizens' initiative be signed?
Answer(s):
a . Anywhere
Comments: a) Even from abroad, but always on special papers.
Source: Law of 25 May 1970, n. 352, Art. 7(2) and 7(4)
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD090
Question: Where can proposals for an agenda initiative be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD091
Question: Where can proposals for a recall be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD092
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
c . Other (specify)
Comments: c) Signatories must provide: full name, place and date of birth, and the name of the municipality where they registered to vote.
Source: Law of 25 May 1970, n. 352, Art. 8(2)
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD093
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
c . Other (specify)
Comments: c) Signatories must provide: full name, place and date of birth, and the name of the municipality where they registered to vote.
Source: Law of 25 May 1970, n. 352, Art. 8(2)
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD094
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
c . Other (specify)
Comments: c) Signatories must provide: full name, place and date of birth, and the name of the municipality where they registered to vote.
Source: Law of 25 May 1970, n. 352, Art. 8(2)
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD095
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD096
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a recall?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD097
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
c . Requirement for signature collectors to be registered electors
Comments:
Source: Law of 25 May 1970, n. 352, Art. 8(1)
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD098
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
c . Requirement for signature collectors to be registered electors
Comments:
Source: Law of 25 May 1970, n. 352, Art. 8(1)
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD099
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
c . Requirement for signature collectors to be registered electors
Comments:
Source: Law of 25 May 1970, n. 352, Art. 8(1)
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments: There is one specific example of consultative referendum in Italy. In 1989, an ad hoc Constitutional Law ("Legge Costituzionale 3 aprile 1989, n.2") amended the constitution for one specific case: to confer constitutional-drafting powers to the European Parliament.
Source: Constitution, Art. 71, 75, 123, 132 and 138
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Italy_2012?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/18
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:
Source: Constitution, Art. 71, 75, 123, 132 and 138
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Italy_2012?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/18
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The boundaries of regions and provinces can be modified with a referendum requested by the population involved. Each region has its own statute, and according to the Constitution it must contain direct democracy mechanisms for sub-national matters.
Source: Constitution, Art. 123 and 138
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Italy_2012?lang=en
Verified: 2020/07/18
DD132
Year of introducing Direct Democracy
Question: What year were the first Direct Democracy mechanisms introduced to the legal framework?
Answer:
d . 1941-1960
Comments: The first Direct Democracy mechanisms where introduced with the 1948 Constitution.
Source: Constitution, Art. 71, 75 and 138
Verified: 2012/04/17
DD133
Question: What year was the first referendum/initiative held?
Answer:
d . 1941-1960
Comments: The first referendum was held on June 2, 1946. The Italian people voted to become a republic or a monarchy.
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
Voting Operations
VO002
Question: Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/16
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
d . At specially designated polling stations f . By mail
Comments:
Source: Presidential Decree of 20 March 1967, n. 223, Art. 35 and 36;
Electoral Law: "D.L. 3 January 2006, n. 1, Art. 1
Verified: 2020/07/18
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Αrt. 56 and 57
Electoral Law of 27 December 2001, n.459, Art. 5
Verified: 2020/07/18
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
e . By mail
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 27 December 2001, n.459, Art. 1
Verified: 2020/07/18
VO006
Question: Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
Answer:
b . Yes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 27 December 2001, n.459, Art 12
D.L. of 3 January 2006, n. 1, Art. 1
Verified: 2012/04/16
VO007
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
Answer(s):
b . By mail
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 27 December 2001, n.459, Art. 12;
D.L. of 3 January 2006, n. 1, Art. 1
Verified: 2012/04/16
VO008
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law of 27 December 2001, n.459, Art. 12;
D.L. of 3 January 2006, n. 1, Art. 1
Verified: 2012/04/16
VO009
Question: Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Presidential Decree of 20 March 1967, n. 223, Art. 34
Verified: 2012/04/16
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: "Testo unico delle leggi elettorali", Art.58
https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.del.presidente.della.repubblica:1957-03-30;361!vig=
Verified: 2020/07/18
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