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Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Section 6
Election Wards
(1) In the municipalities, towns, Capital of the Slovak Republic, Bratislava, as well as in the town of Košice and their town districts (hereinafter referred to as ”municipalities”), the election wards shall be constituted for the purposes of casting votes and the count.
(2) The distribution of the election wards and polling stations within them shall be specified by the Presiding Councillor of the municipality, Mayor of the town (hereinafter referred to as”Mayor”) or Mayor of municipality within the Capital of the Slovak Republic, Bratislava and the town of Košice not later than 40 days before the polling day.
(3) The election wards shall be distributed in such way, that their electorate is, as a rule, 1,000 voters. The election wards must not extend beyond the boundaries of the constituency.
(4) The election wards within a municipality shall be allocated consecutive numbers expressed in Arabic numerals. In Bratislava, Capital of the Slovak Republic, and Košice the election wards shall be allocated separate consecutive numbers in each town district. The election wards shall be allocated their numbers also in the cases where there is only one election ward in a municipality.
Source: Act on Elections to the National Council (2004), Part 2, Section 6 (1-4)
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/action/popup/id/4420
Verified: 2024/10/25
BD002
Question: The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: For regional and local elections, the constituency boundaries are drawn by the regional and local parliaments. Under law for national elections the territory of the Slovak Republic forms one constituency.
Source: Livia Skultetyova
Director of the Elections and Referendum Department
Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic
Verified: 2007/01/09
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population g . Other
Comments: (3) The election wards shall be distributed in such way, that their electorate is, as a rule, 1,000 voters. The election wards must not extend beyond the boundaries of the constituency.
Source: Act on Elections to the National Council (2004), Part 2, Section 6 (3)
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/action/popup/id/4420
Verified: 2024/10/25
BD004
Question: If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer:
c . Number of registered voters
Comments: The territory of the Slovak republic forms one election district.
Source: Parliamentary Election Act, article 11
Verified: 2002/06/18
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: (2) The distribution of the election wards and polling stations within them shall be specified by the Presiding Councillor of the municipality, Mayor of the town (hereinafter referred to as ”Mayor”) or Mayor of municipality within the Capital of the Slovak Republic, Bratislava and the town of Košice not later than 40 days before the polling day.
Source: Act on Elections to the National Council (2004), Part 2, Section 6 (2)
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/action/popup/id/4420
Verified: 2024/10/25
BD006
Question: What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
Answer(s):
m . Not applicable
Comments: The territory of the Slovak republic forms one election district.
Source: Parliamentary Election Act, article 11
Verified: 2002/06/18
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
c . Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The head of state is the President, elected by a secret ballot for a five year term. A candidate for the President is elected if he/she receives absolute majority of votes. If none of the candidates receives the necessary majority of votes, a second round is held within 14 days of the voting.
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic, Article 101: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/constitution-of-the-slovak-republic-as-amended-to/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The President appoints and removes the Prime Minister and other members of the government. The government is obliged within 30 days of its nomination, to present itself to the National Council of the Slovak Republic, submit ist government program and ask for a vote of confidence.
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic, Article 110 & 113: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/constitution-of-the-slovak-republic-as-amended-to/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The President is the head of state of the Slovak Republic. The President represents
the Slovak Republic both outwardly and through his decisions ensures due performance of
constitutional bodies. The President performs his office according to his/her best
conscience and conviction, and is not bound by any orders.
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic, Article 101: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/constitution-of-the-slovak-republic-as-amended-to/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: The National Council of the Slovak Republic is the sole constitutional and legislative body of the Slovak Republic. It consists of 150 members elected for a four year term.
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic, Article 72 &73: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/constitution-of-the-slovak-republic-as-amended-to/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
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: Article 1
Elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic shall be conducted on the basis of a universal, equal and direct electoral franchise, by means of secret ballot, and in accordance with the principle of proportional representation. In addition to voting for a party, each elector can cast four preferential votes for candidates with respect to the same list.
Article 18
List of candidates
(1) A list of candidates may be submitted by any political party which is registered pursuant to a separate law;[10]it shall be delivered by the political party's plenipotentiary to the electoral officer of the Central Electoral Commission in two counterpart copies and in electronic form not later than ninety days before polling day.
(2) Political parties may form a coalition and submit a joint list of candidates pursuant to subsection (1). A political party which is a member of a coalition may not submit a separate list of candidates.
Article 43
Allocation of seats
(1) The sum of valid votes cast for the proceeding political parties or coalitions shall be divided by the number 151 (the number of seats plus one). The result of this division rounded off to a whole number is the republic electoral number.
(2) The sum of valid votes obtained by a political party or coalition shall be divided by the republic electoral number; a political party or coalition shall be allocated a number of seats equal to the number of times the republic electoral number divides into the sum of valid votes which it obtained.
(3) In the event that there is allocated one seat more than should have been, the surplus seat shall be deducted from the political party or coalition which has the smallest remainder from the division. If remainders are equal, the seat shall be deducted from the political party or coalition which obtained the fewer number of votes. If the numbers of votes are equal, the deduction shall be decided by drawing lots.
(4) In the event that not all seats are allocated or that a political party or coalition should be allocated more seats than it has candidates, then the Central Electoral Commission shall allocate such seats among other political parties or coalitions in order of their remainder from the division beginning with the highest. If remainders are equal, the seat shall be allocated to the political party or coalition which obtained the larger number of votes. If the numbers of votes are the equal, the allocation shall be decided by drawing lots.
(5) The seats allocated to a political party or coalition shall be allocated among its candidates in the order that they are stated on the ballot paper. If any of the electors who cast a valid vote for the political party or coalition exercised the right to a preferential vote, then a seat shall be allocated firstly to a candidate who obtained preferential votes totalling not less than three per cent of the sum of valid votes cast for the political party or coalition. If the political party or coalition is allocated more seats and has more candidates that fulfill the condition mentioned in the previous sentence, then these candidates shall receive seats in the order of the number of preferential votes they received beginning with the highest. If the number of preferential votes is the same, the allocation shall be decided by order on the ballot paper.
(6) Candidates who were not allocated a seat shall become substitutes.
Source: Slovakia: On Elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic (2004), Section 1, 18, & 43: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-municipalities-election-law-1990/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
ES006
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
k . The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Comments:
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, +421-7/4333 8662
Verified: 2002/06/18
ES007
Question: If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
Answer:
d . Droop
Comments: IT IS THE SAME AS HAGENBACH-BISCHOFF
Source: ACEEEO
Verified: 2002/04/18
ES008
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
Answer(s):
a . National level
Comments: The whole country is one constituency.
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, +421-7/4333 8662
Verified: 2002/06/18
ES009
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, +421-7/4333 8662
Verified: 2002/06/18
ES010
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, +421-7/4333 8662
Verified: 2002/06/18
ES012
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
c . The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Comments:
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, +421-7/4333 8662
Verified: 2002/06/18
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: c) 5%. Should the Central Election Commission find that the requirement pursuant to paragraph 2 was not met by any political party, it shall lower the threshold of five percent to the threshold of four percent.
Source: Parliamentary Election Act, article 41
Verified: 2002/06/18
ES015
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, +421-7/4333 8662
Verified: 2002/06/18
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:
a . No minimum
Comments:
Source: PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION ACT Article 41 Conditions for allocating mandates
(1) The Central Election Commission shall find how many valid votes were in total cast for each political party. It shall find the number of valid votes for coalitions of political parties in case paragraph 3 does not apply for the coalition.
(2) The Central Election Commission shall further determine which political party received less than 5 % of the total number of valid votes.
(3) In further determination of election results and the allocation of mandates, the political party described in paragraph 2 and votes cast to it are not taken into consideration. Should this political party be a member of a coalition, other political parties are considered as if they submitted the List of Candidates independently.
(4) Should the Central Election Commission find that the requirement pursuant to paragraph 2 was not met by any political party, it shall lower the threshold of five percent to the threshold of four percent.
Verified: 2002/05/28
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:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová
Verified: 2001/11/15
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)
Comments: a) The National Council of the Slovak Republic has 150 deputies who are elected for a four-year period.
It can be earlier but not later. The president calls the election and the parliament adopts the act by qualified majority.
Source: Constitution, article 73
Verified: 2002/06/18
ES019
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, +421-7/4333 8662
Verified: 2002/06/18
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: The elections shall be held on the same day on the whole territory of the Republic. It can be two days according to the law, but it often takes place on one day. It is the President's decision. In that case the elections shall commence at 2 A.M. and end at 10 P.M. of the first day, on the second day elections shall commerce at 7 A.M and end at 2 P.M.
Source: Parlimentary Election Act, article 24
Verified: 2002/07/05
ES021
Question: Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, +421-7/4333 8662
Verified: 2002/07/05
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation d . Regulations or administrative rules
Comments:
Source: Constitution (last amended May 2014) file:///Users/admin/Downloads/Constitution-slovakia.pdf
The Election Act (Representation of the People Act) https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7883/file/Slovakia_Act_conditions_electoral_law_2014_am2015_en.pdf
Verified: 2024/10/25
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:
Source: Steinar Dalbakk, Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Norway, Steinar.dalbakk(a)krd.dep.no
Verified: 2019/03/07
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections b . Regional elections c . Local elections
Comments: On Elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic
(1) A person has the right to vote in elections for the National Council of the Slovak Republic (in this Act referred to as "the right to
vote") if he or she (an "elector") is a citizen of the Slovak Republic and is at least eighteen years old on polling day
Source: The Election Act(Representation of the People Act), Part 1, Section 2 https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7883/file/Slovakia_Act_conditions_electoral_law_2014_am2015_en.pdf
Verified: 2024/10/25
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: Method of voting
(1) An elector may vote in the territory of the Slovak Republic:
a) in the polling district in whose electoral register he or she is registered, or
b) in another polling district on the basis of a voting certificate, except for a polling district established pursuant to
section 12(4).
Source: On Elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic (2004), Part 6, Section 27(1)
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/action/popup/id/4419
Verified: 2024/10/25
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:
a . National elections are not held on the same day as regional or local elections
Comments: Established practice os for local government elections to be held midway in Storting terms (which is elected every 4 years)
Source: http://odin.dep.no
Verified: 2002/07/05
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:
Source:
Verified: 2002/07/05
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
b . EMB d . Other
Comments: The Parliament (Storting) is the appeal body for appeals concerning the right to vote or the right to cast a vote.
The National Election Committee is the appeal body for other appeals.
Source: The Election Act, Ch. 13, Art. 13-1: https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7883/file/Slovakia_Act_conditions_electoral_law_2014_am2015_en.pdf
Verified: 2024/10/25
LF008
Question: If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: Disputes are to be settled by the polling officials, whose decision may be appealed to the National Assembly (Storting).
Source: Electoral Law, Art.38, 70-71
Verified: 2002/06/18
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 c . Voters
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law, Art.38, 70-71
Verified: 2019/03/07
LF010
Question: What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: For national elections: the National Assembly (Stortinget).
For local and regional elections: the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.
Source: Election Law Art. 70-71
Verified: 2019/03/07
LF011
Question: Which body(ies) proposes electoral reforms?
Answer(s):
c . Government
Comments: c) Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development
Source: Steinar Dalbakk, Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Norway, Steinar.dalbakk(a)krd.dep.no
Verified: 2002/07/05
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level
Comments: Act On Elections to the National Council: 13(1): For elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic there shall be established a Central Electoral Commission, district electoral commissions and polling district commissions.
Act on Elections to the Bodies of Self-government Regions: 8(1): (1) The following electoral bodies shall be established for the purposes of the elections to the bodies of self-government regions (hereinafter referred to as ”election”) - (a) the Central Election Commission;(b) the Regional Election Commissions;(c) the District Election Commissions;(d) the Ward Election Commissions.
Source: Act on Elections to the National Council (2004), Articles 13(1)
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/id/4419
Law No. 303/2001 Coll. The Election of the Governing Regions and Amendments to the Code of Civil Procedure (As Amended to 2007) Sec. 8(1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-law-no.-303-2001-coll.-the-election-of/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
EM003
Question: The national electoral management body reports to:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: Chairman of the Parliament.
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, +421-7/4333 8662
Verified: 2002/06/18
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: The Ministry of Interior provides everything, so the commission does not have a specialized budget.
Article 58
(1) The financial management of the Slovak Republic is administered by its state budget.
The state budget is adopted by means of a law.
(2) State budget revenues, the procedures of budget management and the relationship
between the state budget and the budgets of territorial units shall be laid down by law.
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic, Article 58
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/constitution-of-the-slovak-republic-as-amended-to/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
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 Finance
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic, Article 58
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/constitution-of-the-slovak-republic-as-amended-to/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: (4) Membership in the State Commission is a public function. A member of the State
Commission may be a Slovak citizen who has permanent residence in the Slovak Republic, is
unimpeachable legal capacity , with a master’s degree and who has reached at least 35 years of
age. The same person may be a member of the State Commission for a maximum of two
consecutive terms of office.
(7) If there is a vacant position for a State Commission member, a new member will be
appointed for the remaining term of office.
Source: Electoral Law Act - Section 13
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7883/file/Slovakia_Act_conditions_electoral_law_2014_am2015_en.pdf
Verified: 2024/10/25
EM007
Question: The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: The election commission shall determine by agreement its chairman and vice-chairman. If no agreement will be achieved, the chairman and vice-chairman shall be determined by drawing lots. The chairman and vice-chairman must not be representatives of the same political party or coalition. Drawing lots shall be controlled by the recorder of the election commission.
Source: Parliamentary Election Act, article 11
Verified: 2007/01/09
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
c . Mixed
Comments: Section 13
(1) For elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic there shall be established a Central Electoral Commission, district
electoral commissions and polling district commissions
Source: Act On Elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Section 13-15:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-municipalities-election-law-1990/view
Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic: http://www.minv.sk/?ministerstvo-vnutra
Verified: 2024/10/25
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: The Central Election Commission is composed of: 5 members.
Source: Act on Elections to the Bodies of Self-government Regions and on Amendment to the Code of Civil Procedure, Section 11(2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-law-no.-303-2001-coll.-the-election-of/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
a . Partisanship
Comments: Section 15
Central Electoral Commission
(1) For membership of the Central Electoral Commission, each political party or coalition which submits a list of candidates shall nominate one of its members and one substitute and shall do so not later than ninety days before polling day.
Section 8
General Provisions
(3) Election Commissions are constituted from equal number of the representatives of political parties, political movements, or their coalitions (hereinafter referred to as ”political parties”), respectively, which file separate nomination papers. The political parties shall announce the full names of candidates and substitute candidates and their addresses to the person who calls to assemble the Election Commission. Withdrawal of nomination paper by a political party results in expiry of council of the political party in relevant electoral commission. The function of the member of the Election Commission expires on the day of delivery of a written notice of a political party, which nominated the candidate, or a written notice of the Commission member of his resignation addressed to the Chairman of the Election Commission. In the case of expiry of the function of a member of the Election Commission the Chairman shall call up a substitute candidate.
Source: Act On Elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Section 15 (1)
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-municipalities-election-law-1990/view
Act on Elections to the Bodies of Self-government Regions and on Amendment to the Code of Civil Procedure (2001), Section 8(3)
https://www.legislationline.org/documents/action/popup/id/4420
Verified: 2024/10/25
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
c . Executive g . Political parties
Comments: The members of the Commission are appointed by the government.
Source: Act On Elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Part 4, Section 13-15: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-municipalities-election-law-1990/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
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):
d . National Government e . Regional Governments f . Local Governments i . Media
Comments: d) Ministry of Interior
e) District state administration authorities
f) Municipalities
(1) Slovak Radio[14] and Slovak Television[15] shall allocate each contesting party or coalition not more than thirty minutes of
broadcasting time and shall allocate in total not more than ten hours of broadcasting time for political advertisements. The right to
broadcasting time must be exercised not later than five days before the start of broadcasting of political advertisements or it shall
expire. A political party or coalition shall be responsible for the content of its broadcast. Slovak Radio and Slovak Television shall ensure
clear designation and separation of such a broadcast from other programmes by airing an announcement that it is a paid broadcast.
Source: Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic: http://www.minv.sk/?volby-a-referendum
Act on The Election of the Governing Regions and Amendments to the Code of Civil Procedure (As Amended to 2007), Part 5, Section 24: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-law-no.-303-2001-coll.-the-election-of/view
Act on Elections to Municipal Bodies (as Amended) Section 27: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/act-of-the-slovak-national-council.-346-1990-coll./view
Verified: 2024/10/25
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
b . Election time only
Comments: Before elections
Source: Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic: http://www.minv.sk/?volby-a-referendum
Verified: 2024/10/25
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
m . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2024/10/25
VE004
Question: What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
b . Media advertisement
Comments:
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová
Verified: 2002/04/16
VE005
Question: What types of civic education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová
Verified: 2002/04/16
VE006
Question: Special voter education programs were developed at the most recent national elections for:
Answer(s):
a . Disabled
Comments: a) Deaf and blind people.
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, +421-7/4333 8662
Verified: 2007/01/09
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: 2(1): A person has the right to vote in elections for the National Council of the Slovak Republic (in this Act referred to as "the right to vote") if he or she (an "elector") is a citizen of the Slovak Republic and is at least eighteen years old on polling day.
Source: Slovakia: On Elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic (2004), Section 2(1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-municipalities-election-law-1990/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
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: Section 2
(1): A person has the right to vote in elections for the National Council of the Slovak Republic (in this Act referred to as "the right to vote") if he or she (an "elector") is a citizen of the Slovak Republic and is at least eighteen years old on polling day.
(2) A person is disqualified from exercising the right to vote if he or she is:
a) subject to restrictions on personal freedom imposed by law for the protection of public health,[1]or
b) serving a prison sentence,[2]or
c) deprived of legal capacity.[3]
Source: Act On Elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Section 2
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-municipalities-election-law-1990/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
VR003
Question: What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
Answer(s):
a . Criminal Incarceration h . Other
Comments: h) A person who has a contagious disease must be registered on the roll but cannot vote.
Legal incapacity
Source: Livia Skultetyova
Director of the Elections and Referendum Department
Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic
Verified: 2007/01/09
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: c. Municipality
Everyone, who under law has the right to vote, is enlisted in a permanent voter list in municipality in the territory of which he/she has permanent residence.
Source: Act On Elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Sections 18(4b) and 30 :http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-municipalities-election-law-1990/view
Law The Election of the Governing Regions and Amendments to the Code of Civil Procedure (As Amended to 2007) Section 7: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-law-no.-303-2001-coll.-the-election-of/view
Act on Elections to Municipal Bodies (as Amended), Section 5: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/act-of-the-slovak-national-council.-346-1990-coll./view
Verified: 2024/10/25
VR005
Question: What is the registration method for national elections?
Answer:
a . National citizens register
Comments:
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic,
Verified: 2007/01/09
VR006
Question: How frequently is the voters register updated?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments: Composition and Maintenance of the Permanent List of Voters
(1) The permanent list of voters shall be composed and maintained by the municipality, and in Bratislava and in Kosicethe , by the city ward.
(2) During the electoral term, the municipality shall continuously ascertain facts, which are reasons for changes in the List. Changes in the List shall be carried out on the basis of:
a) the municipality's own records,
b) notices of state organs,
c) results of legal proceedings.
Source: Parliamentary Election Act, article 4
Verified: 2007/01/09
VR007
Question: What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
Answer(s):
a . Links to national population records b . Links to police records of residence c . Links for applications for government services
Comments: ) During the electoral term, the municipality shall continuously ascertain facts, which are reasons for changes in the List. Changes in the List shall be carried out on the basis of:
a) the municipality«s own records,
b) notices of state organs,
c) results of legal proceedings.
Source: PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION ACT ART.4
Verified: 2007/01/09
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Everyone who under law has the right to vote is enlisted in a permanent voter list in municipality in the territory of which he/she has permanent residence.
Act On Elections to the National Council: 6(1) A citizen of the Slovak Republic who has permanent residence in the country and who has the right to vote shall be registered in a permanent register pursuant to his or her place of permanent residence. An elector may be registered in only one permanent register.
Source: Act On Elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Section 6
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-municipalities-election-law-1990/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
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) b . Deposit requirement (specify amount)
Comments: Only a political party which is registered under the Act on political parties (2005) by Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic can submit a list of candidates for the elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic. Other requirement under paragraph 18 of the Act on elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic (2005) as amended is a deposit.
(3) The application shall be written, signed by all members of the preparatory committee,
and signatures shall be certified.1 It shall contain the forenames, surnames, birth numbers
and permanent addresses of all members of the preparatory committee, and the name of the
proxy of the preparatory committee.
(4) The following documents shall be attached to the application:
a) List of citizens who agree with the creation of the party; the list has to be signed by
at least 10,000 citizens and include their forenames, surnames, permanent
addresses and identity card numbers (hereinafter referred to as “list of citizens”);
b) Two copies of the articles of the party under subsection 5;
c) Proof of administrative fee settlement;2
d) Statement on address of the registered office of the party including the town, street
and house number, signed by the proxy; the address of the registered office shall be
located on the territory of the Slovak Republic.
(5) Shall be included in the articles:
a) Name of the party and its acronym, if to be used; the name of the party and its
acronym shall be different from the name and acronym of another party already
registered;
b) Program of the party stating its objectives;
c) Rights and obligations of the party members;
d) Bodies of the party, way of their election and definition of their competency;
e) Way the statutory body3 acts in the name of the party; whether and to what extent
other members or employees of the party may also perform legal acts in its name;
f) Principles of economic management of the party;
g) Provisions related to organisational units of the party, if to be founded, namely
definition of the scope in which they can acquire, manage and dispose of assets or
acquire other property rights in the name of the party, and definition of the scope in
which they can act and incur liabilities in the name of the party; the organisational
units of the party are not legal persons;
h) Way of disposal of the property balance resulting from the property liquidation and
liabilities, if the party is dissolved.
Source: Act on Political Movements on Political Parties, Articles 5 & 6: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/acts-on-political-movements-of-political-parties/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
PC002
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, +421-7/4333 8662
Verified: 2007/01/09
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 d . Residence f . Registration j . Other
Comments: j) A signed declaration of the candidate attached to the list of candidates in which the candidate declares that he/she agrees with the candidacy, that he/she is not a candidate of any other political party and that no restrictions apply to his/her suffrage.
(2) A member of an electoral commission must be a citizen who has the right to vote and who has not been disqualified from exercising
his or her electoral franchise. A person may be a member of only one electoral commission. A candidate for the office of a Deputy (in
this Act referred to as a "candidate") may not be a member of an electoral commission.
(3) Electoral commissions shall be made up of an equal number of representatives from each political party, political movement (in this
Act referred to as a "political party") or coalition of political parties ("coalition") which submitted a list of candidates. The first name,
surname and address of permanent residence of each member and of his or her substitute shall be notified in writing by the respective
political party in a period pursuant to section 15(1), section 16(1) and section 17(1) to whoever will call the first meeting of the electoral
commission. Such notification provided after the legally stipulated period shall not be considered.
(4) A person ceases to be a member of an electoral commission if he or she represents a political party or coalition that either does not
register or withdraws a list of candidates.
Source: Act On Elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Section 18. Part 4, Section 13
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-municipalities-election-law-1990/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
PC004
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
k . No information available
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, +421-7/4333 8662
Verified: 2007/01/09
PC005
Question: What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence
Comments: a and b)Any citizen of the Slovak Republic eligible to be elected to the member of the National Council of the Slovak Republic who has attained 40 years of age on the day of the election, may be elected President of the Slovak Republic.
No one may be elected President for more than two consecutive terms.
The election of the President shall be held during the last sixty days of the term of the acting President. In the event of a vacancy of the President's office before the expiration of the official term, the President of the National Council of the Slovak Republic shall announce presidential elections within seven days in order that the first ballot would be held within 60 days after they have been promulgated.
Source: Constitution, article 103
Verified: 2007/01/09
PC006
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
Answer(s):
a . Current criminal incarceration e . Offences against electoral law f . Holding of military office g . Holding of government office k . Mental health problems
Comments: f) Police and career military officers.
g) President of the Republic, judges, and public prosecutors.
Source: Parliamentary Election Act, articles 17 and 18
Verified: 2007/01/09
PC007
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Current criminal incarceration e . Offences against electoral law g . Holding of government office k . Mental health problems
Comments: f) Police and career military officers.
g) Judges, and public prosecutors.
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, +421-7/4333 8662
Verified: 2007/01/09
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
b . In presidential elections
Comments: (1) On the basis of a permanent list of electors 3), a municipality shall make a list of electors qualified to elect the president (hereinafter the “list of qualified electors”) in individual election precincts.
(2) A municipality shall make the list of qualified electors also for a special election precinct; the head of the respective facility shall
cooperate with the municipality in making of the list. The municipality, in which a special election precinct was established shall
immediately inform the respective municipality, according to the permanent residence of a qualified elector, about his/her registration
on the list of qualified electors.
Source: Act on Election of the President of the Slovak Republic, plebiscite, recalling of president and amending of some other acts, as amended, Article 11
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-presidential-election-law-1999/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
PC009
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
d . Other
Comments: Can be independent, but must be registered with a registered party.
THE CANDIDATE FOR DEPUTY SHALL BE ON THE LIST OF THE POLITICAL PARTY BUT IF HE OR SHE IS NOT A MEMBER OF IT IT HAS TO BE INDICATED
EVERYONE WHO WANTS TO COMPETE IN NATIONAL ELECTIONS HAS TO BE ON THE CANDIDATE LIST OF THE PARTY BUT HE OR SHE DOES NOT HAS TO BE MEMBER OF THE PARTY
6) The List of Candidates shall contain
a) the name of the political party,
b) the first name, surname, academic title, age, personal identification number, profession, permanent residence, membership in political party or indication that he or she is not member of any political party and the order within the List of Candidates in the form of an Arabic numeral for all candidates.
Source: PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION ACT ART.16-17.
Verified: 2007/01/09
PC010
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová
Verified: 2002/04/16
PC011
Question: If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
d . Other
Comments: The proposal for the Candidate for the presidential office6) must include
a) name, second name and academic title of the Candidate,
b) age and personal number of the Candidate,
c) occupation of the Candidate,
d) the address of permanent residence of the Candidate,
e) declaration of the Candidate that he/she gave consent to the candidature and meets conditions necessary for being elected the President [Title 103.1 of the Constitution of the Slovak Republic No. 460/1992 in the wording of the constitutional law No. 244/1998 and constitutional law No. 9/1999.]
Source: LAW ON PROCEDURE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC,ON PLEBISCITE AND REMOVAL OF THE PRESIDENT ART.11.
Verified: 2007/01/09
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments: Act On Elections to the National Council: 52(4):
After the National Council of the Slovak Republic has verified the election of Deputies, the Chairperson of the National Council of the Slovak Republic shall inform the Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic of how many valid votes were cast for each political party or coalition. A political party or coalition which obtained in the elections more than three per cent of the total number of valid votes cast in the Slovak Republic shall receive from the state budget of the Slovak Republic a payment for each such vote equal to one per cent of the national average salary for the calendar year preceding the year in which the elections are conducted.
Source: Act On Elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Section 52(4): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-municipalities-election-law-1990/view
Act On Election of the President of the Slovak Republic, plebiscite, recalling of president and amending of some other acts, as amended, Article 18: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-presidential-election-law-1999/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
PC013
Question: If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
Answer(s):
a . As related to the election period only
Comments:
Source: STUDY ON ELECTORAL SYSTEM OF SLOVAK REPUBLIC
Verified: 2002/04/18
PC014
Question: If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
Answer(s):
a . Free media access
Comments: a. TV + radio, 21 hours divided by number of parties.
Funding is primarily given in cash.Election campaigning is prohibited in the radio broadcasting and television broadcasting of private licence holders. It is not allowed to use local public loudspeakers for election campaigning, except for announcements concerning the holding of election meetings.
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová
PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION ACT ART23.
Verified: 2007/01/09
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
c . Based on current legislative representation e . Other
Comments: Section 52
Reimbursement of election-related expenses
(1) Expenses related to the elections shall be reimbursed from the state budget. Expenses incurred by electors in sending postal votes shall not be reimbursed from the state budget.
(2) Expenses for the activity of polling district commissions shall be paid to municipalities from the budget of the Ministry.[26]
(3) A political party or coalition shall meet the costs of broadcasting a political advertisement pursuant to section 24.
(4) After the National Council of the Slovak Republic has verified the election of Deputies, the Chairperson of the National Council of the Slovak Republic shall inform the Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic of how many valid votes were cast for each political party or coalition. A political party or coalition which obtained in the elections more than three per cent of the total number of valid votes cast in the Slovak Republic shall receive from the state budget of the Slovak Republic a payment for each such vote equal to one per cent of the national average salary for the calendar year preceding the year in which the elections are conducted.
Source: Act On Elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Section 52
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-municipalities-election-law-1990/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
PC016
Question: If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
Answer(s):
b . Election campaign activities
Comments: Article 23 Election Campaign
(1) For the purposes of this Act, the period of the election campaign shall mean the period commencing 30 days, and ending 48 hours, before the start of elections. During the period of election campaigning every running party is ensured equal access to the mass media and other services of territorial self-government (územnej samosprávy). Running political parties can conduct election campaigns through radio or television broadcasting only on Slovak Radio and Slovak Television. Election campaigning is prohibited in the radio broadcasting and television broadcasting of private licence holders. It is not allowed to use local public loudspeakers for election campaigning, except for announcements concerning the holding of election meetings.
Source: PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION ACT ART. 23.
Verified: 2007/01/09
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: (1) Unless stipulated otherwise herein, a party may accept the gifts and other free of charge
services. If the amount of a gift or another free of charge service exceeds SKK 5,000, the
party may accept it only based on a written agreement pursuant to this Act. However, this
shall have no impact on the provisions of a separate regulation.19
A party may accept neither gifts nor other free of charge services from:
a) State, National Property Fund of the Slovak Republic, Slovak Land Fund,
municipality or higher territorial unit;
b) Legal persons founded or established by the State, the National Property Fund of the
Slovak Republic, the Slovak Land Fund, a municipality or a higher territorial unit;
c) Legal persons in which the State, the National Property Fund of the Slovak Republic,
the Slovak Land Fund, a municipality or a higher territorial unit holds a stake;
d) Citizens association,20 foundations,21 non-profit-making organizations providing
public services,22 non-investment funds,23 associations of interest of legal persons,24
associations of municipalities,25 and organisations with international element;26
e) Public institutions and other legal persons established by law;
f) Natural person that is not a citizen;
g) Legal person having its registered office abroad, in case its majority owner is not a
citizen or a legal person having its registered office on the Slovak territory, except for
a political party, group of political parties, or legal persons established or owned in
majority by a political party;
h) Natural person or legal person, if the party is unable to indicate the identification
data of the donor or the identification data of the contracting party having provided
another free of charge service.
Source: Act on political Movements on Political Parties, Articles 23 & 24: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/acts-on-political-movements-of-political-parties/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
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:
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, +421-7/4333 8662
Verified: 2002/07/05
PC019
Question: Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
a . Public disclosure of party contributions received b . Public disclosure of party expenditure c . Prohibition on party funding from foreign sources h . Publication or public access to contribution and / or expenditure reports
Comments:
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, +421-7/4333 8662
Verified: 2007/01/09
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
Comments: Article 16
Allowed costs for the Campaigning
The Candidate for the President can use no more than 4 million Slovak crowns VAT incl. For his/her pre-election campaign. This sum shall cover the expenses the candidate paid off or is to pay off, including expenses the third persons paid off or committed to pay off for the Candidate for President. Should the advert or program be published or broadcast free of charge or for a lower price in the media other than Slovak Radio or Slovak Television, their usual price shall be calculated in the stated sum.
Source: LAW ON PROCEDURE OF THE ELECTION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE SLOVAk REPUBLIC,ON THE PLEBISCITE AND REMOVAL OF THE PRESIDENT art.16.
Verified: 2007/01/09
PC021
Question: Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
Answer(s):
c . Government department
Comments: The Finance Ministry is observing candidate's funds, gifts etc.
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, +421-7/4333 8662
Verified: 2007/01/09
Vote Counting
VC001
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
b . Multi-ballot (each party has own ballot, voter picks one ballot and places in envelope) e . Ability to vote for candidates within parties (personal vote) i . Party symbols in black and white n . Random listing (lottery) o . Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station official
Comments: n. Each party is given a number randomly.
A ballot shall be printed for any political party that nominates its members. A separate ballot shall be also printed for any political party that nominates its members in coalition, with the stipulation that in addition to the prerequisites according to paragraph 2, the name of the respective coalition political party or political movement shall be given on the ballot.
(2) The Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic shall ensure the necessary number of ballots based on the registered Lists of Candidates. The drawn number of the List of Candidates, name of political party or coalition, first name and surname of candidates, academic title, age, sex, permanent residence and membership in political party must be stated on the ballot. The order of candidates on the ballot must be the same as their order on the List of Candidates. If a political party has placed its graphical symbol on the List of Candidates, it shall also be placed on the ballot.
(3) Ballots for the elections in the National Council of the Slovak Republic must be printed using the same font and size of letters, on the paper of the same color, quality and size. Ballots shall be stamped by the seal of the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic.
(4) The Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic shall deliver ballots to the mayors of municipalities who shall ensure that the ballots are delivered to all Precinct Election Commissions on the day of elections.
(5) The voter shall receive ballots in the polling station on the day of elections.
(6) If a political party has been dissolved, or if its activity has been suspended8c , or if a political party has withdrawn its List of Candidates after registration of the List of Candidates, the ballots of this political party shall not be printed, and if they have been printed, the election commissions shall ensure that they not be distributed to voters in polling stations.
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová
Parliamentary Election Act Art.22.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC002
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
s . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, +421-7/4333 8662
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC003
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Single ballot (all registered parties/candidates listed) d . Categorical (only possible to make one mark) f . Same ballot papers used nation-wide m . Organized alphabetically
Comments: Article 13 Ballot
(1) One ballot shared by all Candidates for the President shall be produced. On the ballot the Candidates shall be listed in alphabetical order stating the second name, name and academic title, age, occupation and the municipality of their permanent residence.
(2) The ballot must be marked with a print of the Central Election Commission stamp and print of the official stamp of the Municipality and before the second name of each Candidate a little box must be printed for marking the votes.
(3) The Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic shall provide for production of the ballots and delivery of their necessary amount to the Municipality.
(4) The Municipality shall provide for delivery of the ballots to all Precinct Election Commissions on the election day no later than 2 hours before the start of the poll.
(5) The qualified voter shall receive the ballot in the polling station on the election day,
Source: LAW ON PROCEDURE OF THE ELECTION OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC,ON PLEBISCITE AND REMOVAL OF THE PRESIDENT (1999.03.18.)
Verified: 2009/11/04
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: Section 23
Counting of Votes by Precinct Election Committee
(1) After the close of the poll, the chairman of the Precinct Election Committee shall order sealing up of unused ballot papers and envelopes and opening of the ballot box. Should the Precinct Election Committee have also used, upon request of citizens, a mobile ballot box, it shall mix the contents of both ballot boxes.
(2) The Precinct Election Committee shall take the envelopes with ballot papers out of the ballot box, count the envelopes and compare the number with records on the list of qualified electors. The Committee shall exclude all envelopes other than the ones under Section 21 § 2. It shall also exclude all ballot papers, which were not in envelopes.
(3) After taking the ballot papers out of the envelopes, the Committee shall exclude invalid ballot papers and determine the number of votes gained by each candidate.
(4) Each member of the Precinct Election Committee can see the ballot papers. The chairman of the Precinct Election Committee shall control the counting of votes.
(5) In the room, where the Precinct Election Committee counts votes, the following are entitled to be present apart from its members: the registrar of the Precinct Election Committee, members of superior Election Committees and members of their professional (reporting) units, as well as the persons authorised by the Central Election Committee.
Section 36
Counting votes at a polling district commission
(1) After the end of polling, the chairperson of a polling district commission shall have the remaining unused ballot papers and envelopes sealed and the ballot box opened. Where a portable ballot box was used by the polling district commission at the request of citizens, then the contents of both ballot boxes, after being opened, shall be mixed.
(2) A polling district commission shall take envelopes with ballot papers from the ballot box, count them, and compare their number with the entries in the electoral register. Envelopes which do not meet the terms pursuant to section 28, and ballot papers which were not in an envelope, shall not be taken into account by the polling district commission.
(3) After taking the ballot papers from the envelopes, a polling district commission shall divide and count the ballot papers cast for individual parties or coalitions, shall exclude spoilt ballot papers, and shall establish how many electors of each political party or coalition exercised the right to a preferential vote. Subsequently, the polling district commission shall count the preferential votes cast for individual candidates on the ballot papers.
(4) Any member of a polling district commission may look at the ballot papers. The chairperson of the polling district commission shall supervise the correctness of the vote count.
Source: Law on Procedure of the Election of the President of the Slovak Republic, on Plebiscite and Removal of the President and on Supplementation of several other Laws, Article 23
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-presidential-election-law-1999/view
Act On Elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Section 36
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-municipalities-election-law-1990/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
VC005
Question: What procedures are used in the initial count?
Answer(s):
d . Number of ballots in box reconciled against number of voters j . Sorted into piles according to individual party/candidate l . Counted by hand m . Sorted by party list o . Data fed into computer for calculation r . Observers and party agents are permitted to take their own copies of the results
Comments:
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC006
Question: Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
Answer(s):
e . National level
Comments:
Source: Parliamentary Election Act, articles 36 and 39
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC007
Question: At what levels are seats allocated?
Answer(s):
d . National level
Comments: There is only one constituency
Article 41 Conditions for allocating mandates
(1) The Central Election Commission shall find how many valid votes were in total cast for each political party. It shall find the number of valid votes for coalitions of political parties in case paragraph 3 does not apply for the coalition.
(2) The Central Election Commission shall further determine which political party received less than 5 % of the total number of valid votes.
(3) In further determination of election results and the allocation of mandates, the political party described in paragraph 2 and votes cast to it are not taken into consideration. Should this political party be a member of a coalition, other political parties are considered as if they submitted the List of Candidates independently.
(4) Should the Central Election Commission find that the requirement pursuant to paragraph 2 was not met by any political party, it shall lower the threshold of five percent to the threshold of four percent.
Source: PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION ACT ART. 41.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC008
Question: How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
Answer(s):
a . Physically transported f . By computer
Comments:
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, +421-7/4333 8662
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC010
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
Answer(s):
a . No security measures
Comments: According to the law
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
c . Automatically (triggered) recounted under certain conditions e . Court order
Comments: e) They can be recounted e.g. by the Constitutional Court, if there was brought a complaint referring to an election matter to this court.
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, +421-7/4333 8662
Verified: 2024/10/25
VC012
Question: If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
Answer:
d . Other
Comments: If the Electoral department finds out that something is wrong e.g. with control numbers.
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, +421-7/4333 8662
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC013
Question: If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: Act of Constitutional Court
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC014
Question: If recounted, who conducts the recount?
Answer(s):
h . Courts
Comments:
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, +421-7/4333 8662
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC015
Question: Are preliminary results announced?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Not a big interest since the whole process is very quick
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC017
Question: Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The Election department shall determine and publicize the results of the election.
Source: Parliamentary Election Act, article 13 (7)
Verified: 2009/11/04
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:
a . hours:
Comments: a) 17 hours.
Immediately after the result is certified in a polling station, they can announce their results. The national result is announced after the certified result is signed. Last election polling stations closed Saturday 10PM. The results are announced Sunday afternoon.
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, +421-7/4333 8662
Verified: 2009/11/04
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
Comments:
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/country_profiles/1108491.stm#media
www.freedomhouse.org/research/nitransit/slovakia2004.pdf
Verified: 2007/01/09
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
Comments:
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/country_profiles/1108491.stm#media
Verified: 2005/04/02
ME004
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/country_profiles/1108491.stm#media
Verified: 2005/04/02
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:
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/country_profiles/1108491.stm#media
Verified: 2005/04/02
ME006
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private radio stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60%
Comments:
Source: http://www.hrw.org/worldreport99/europe/slovakia.html
http://www.ifj.org/docs/easternempires.doc
Verified: 2007/01/09
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: http://www.hrw.org/worldreport99/europe/slovakia.html
http://www.ifj.org/docs/easternempires.doc
Verified: 2007/01/09
ME009
Question: In your opinion, which of the following types of media in your country have a public reputation for being independent?
Answer(s):
b . Private radio e . Print media
Comments:
Source: http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2004/41707.htm
Verified: 2005/04/02
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: 2005/04/02
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: 2005/04/02
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):
c . Private radio g . Print media
Comments:
Source: http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2004/41707.htm
Verified: 2005/04/02
ME017
Question: In your opinion, which of the following types of media in your country have a public reputation for being independent?
Answer(s):
b . Private radio e . Print media
Comments:
Source: http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2004/41707.htm
Verified: 2005/04/02
ME020
Question: Who grants licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Answer:
b . Independent regulator
Comments: Council for Broadcasting and Retransmission.
§ 6
Council composition
(1) A Council has nine members who are elected and recalled by the National Council.
(2) The National Council Committee may be presented with proposals for candidates of Council membership by members of the Parliament, professional institutions and civil associations operating in the areas of audio-visual, mass information means, culture, science, education, sport, registered religious and church societies, and civil associations of citizens with health handicaps through the Coordinating Committee for Issues of Health Handicapped Citizens of the Slovak Republic.
(3) The Council elects a Chairman and Vice-chairman of the Council from its members.
(4) If a Chairman is not elected, the Vice-chairman performs his activities to the full extent.
§ 7
Council membership
(1) As a Council member can be elected a citizen of the Slovak Republic with his permanent residence on the territory of the Slovak Republic, who has reached the age of 25, has the right to legal actions in their full extent and is blameless; as blameless is considered someone who has not been convicted by law of a deliberate criminal act, blameless is shown by an extract from the Criminal Register.
(2) The function of the member of the Council shall not be compatible with the function of President of the Slovak Republic, a National Council deputy, a member of the government of the Slovak Republic, a Ministry state secretary or board director, the director of other central body of the state administration or its statutory representative, an employee of a state administration body, a mayor, a judge, a prosecutor, a member of the Slovak Television Council or of the Radio Council.
(3) A Council member must not
a) hold a function in a political party or a political movement, appear in its name or act for its benefit,
b) be the publisher of a periodic press, a broadcaster, operator of retransmission or a member of a statutory body, an administration body, a control body, a statutory body or the employee of these persons; this restriction applies also to persons close 6) to Council members,
c) have a share in the basic equity, or a share in the voting rights of a person who is the broadcaster or operator of retransmission; this restriction applies also to persons close 6) to Council members,
d) be a member of the statutory body, managing body or control body or statutory body of a person who provides services connected to the creation of programmes, advertisements or technical preparation of broadcasting and retransmission,
e) provide the broadcaster or operator of retransmission direct or mediated counsel or a specialist service or aid for pay or any other counter value.
(4) A function of the member of the Council is a public function. The function of the Chairman of the Council is incompatible with other legal relation or occasional legal relation; this restriction does not apply to scientific, pedagogical, public relations, literary or artistic activity. Other members of Council may perform their function as a single activity or alongside a legal relation, while obeying the restrictions of paragraphs 1 to 3.
Source: Art. 6-7. of the Act No. 308 of 14th September, 2000 on Broadcasting and Retransmission and on Amendments of Act No. 195/2000 Coll. on Telecommunications
Verified: 2007/01/09
ME021
Question: Who is allowed to hold broadcasting licenses?
Answer(s):
a . Political parties b . Private companies c . Non governmental organisations d . Foreigners e . Government departments f . State owned companies g . Other
Comments: G: natural person
There are no explicit prohibitions concerning the person of the broadcaster, but according to § 16 of the broadcasting act
A broadcaster has the duty
a) to ensure the universality of information and plurality of opinion within the broadcast programme service,
b) to ensure objectivity and impartiality of news programmes and current affairs programmes; opinions and evaluating comments must be separated from information of a news character,
c) to ensure that programmes and other elements of the programme service broadcast within election campaigns comply with special regulations.
According to § 32 para.10 broadcasting of political advertising and advertising promoting religion or atheism shall be prohibited, if special regulation does not provide otherwise. These special regulations are e.g. the electoral laws (parliament, president, local governments)
Source: Act No. 308 of 14th September, 2000 on Broadcasting and Retransmission and on Amendments of Act No. 195/2000 Coll. On Telecommunications
Verified: 2007/01/09
ME023
Question: Are any journalists currently imprisoned or facing criminal charges for exercising their profession?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: In earlier cases the investigation has been stopped without filing charges
Source: http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2004/41707.htm
Verified: 2005/04/02
ME024
Question: What legal instruments are used to regulate media coverage of elections?
Answer(s):
a . Law
Comments: according to § 16 of the broadcasting act the broadcaster has to ensure that programmes and other elements of the programme service broadcast within election campaigns comply with special regulations. These special regulations are e.g. the act No. 80/1990 Coll. on the election of the Slovak National Council, the act No. 346/1990 Coll. on Elections to Community Local Administration Bodies, and the presidential election act No. 46/1999 Coll.
Source: http://www.rada-rtv.sk/
Verified: 2005/04/02
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)
Comments: According to § 15 of the broadcasting act the supervision of the fulfilment of duties according to this law and special regulations belongs to the competence of the Council for Broadcasting and Retransmission.
Source: http://www.rada-rtv.sk/
Verified: 2006/04/03
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: According to Art. 13 of the LENC (Law on the Election to the National Council) the Central Election Commission discuss information on assuring the assignment of equal broadcasting time in television and radio broadcasting during the election campaign.
Art. 32 para 10-11. of the broadcasting act orders that broadcasting of political advertising and advertising promoting religion or atheism shall be prohibited, if special regulation does not provide otherwise. Political advertising for the purpose of this law means public announcement determined for a) support of a political party, political movement, member of a party, or member of a movement, or candidate, or in their favour during an election campaign or referendum campaign, b) popularisation of name, mark, or slogans of a political party, political movement or a candidate. The special regulation is the Art. 23 of LENC which allows campaigning only in the Slovak Radio and Television.
Source: LENC (Law on the Election to the National Council), Broadcasting Act
Verified: 2007/01/09
ME027
Question: Does the EMB monitor media coverage of elections?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: According to Art. 13 of the LENC the Central Election Commission discuss information on assuring the assignment of equal broadcasting time in television and radio broadcasting during the election campaign.
Source: Art. 13 of the LENC (Law on the Election to the National Council)
Verified: 2006/04/03
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:
Source:
Verified: 2005/04/02
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: The Act on Broadcasting guarantees in general a right to reply: §21 (1) If there was in the broadcasting broadcast incorrect or truth-twisting fact about legal person or natural person who can be exactly identified on the basis of this fact, such a legal person or natural person, without reference to his state adherence, place of permanent residence or long-term residence, shall have the right to claim a free of charge correction in the broadcasting. The broadcaster shall be obliged, on the request of this person, to publish the correction.
(2) After the death of the natural person, the right to correction according to paragraph 1 shall belong to close persons 6).
(3) The request for broadcasting a correction must be in written form and be delivered to the broadcaster at the latest 30 days after the day of broadcasting of such contested facts - otherwise, the right to a published correction expires.
(4) From the request for broadcasting a correction it must be clear in what consists the untruthfulness of the facts or the twisting of the truth; part of the request is a proposal for the wording of the correction.
(5) A broadcaster shall be obliged to broadcast a correction on the same programme as the contested facts were published on, or on a broadcast time of equal value, and this in a way that the correction is in form and content appropriate to the broadcast of the contested facts.
(6) A broadcaster shall be obliged to broadcast a correction without charge, with the expressed designation "correction", and with the name and surname of a natural person or the name of the legal person who requested the broadcasting of the correction.
(7) A broadcaster shall be obliged to broadcast a correction within 8 days from the day the request for the broadcasting of the correction was delivered.
(8) The legal person or natural person whose licence for the broadcasting has expired shall be obliged to secure at his own expense the broadcasting of the correction with another broadcaster with similar territorial extent of broadcasting as had a broadcaster who broadcast the contested fact under the conditions stipulated by this law.
(9) A broadcaster shall not be obliged to broadcast the correction if
a) a criminal offence shall be committed by the broadcasting of the proposed text,
b) the broadcast of the proposed text would be contrary to good manners,
c) the request for the broadcasting of the correction is directed against the text which was broadcast on the basis of evident previous agreement of a person who placed the request,
d) he broadcast the correction on his own initiative under the conditions stipulated by this law prior to his reception of request for the broadcasting of the correction,
e) he may prove the truth of the data for which correction has been required.
(10) If a broadcaster does not broadcast the correction at all or if he does not keep to the conditions under paragraphs 5 to 8, the court shall decide about duty to broadcast the proposal of the person who asked for the correction.
(11) If the person who asked for the correction does not submit the request under paragraph 10 to 15 days within the lapse of time according to paragraph 7, his right to publish correction expires.
Source: Act on Broadcasting
http://www.rada-rtv.sk/
Verified: 2007/01/09
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):
a . Criminal prosecution c . Other (specify)
Comments: Comments:
general protection of the Criminal Code and the Civil Code in cases of libel etc.
Criminal Code
(Law No. 140/1961 Zb. of the Official Gazette as amended)
Third head Criminal acts against order in public matters; Criminal acts against the exercise of functions of organs of state administration and public officers; Attack on organs of state administration
§ 154
(2) Gross insults or defamation of an organ of state administration in the exercise of its function or in connection with its function are punishable by up to one year imprisonment or by pecuniary punishment.
§ 156
(3) Gross insults or defamation of a public officer in the exercise of his/her function or in connection with his/her function are punishable by up to one-year imprisonment or by pecuniary punishment.
Fifth head Criminal acts grossly disturbing civic cohabitation; Violence against group of inhabitants and against individual
§ 206 Defamation
(1) Disseminating false information about another person, able to jeopardize his/her reputation among other citizens, namely to discredit him/her in occupation or disturb his/her family relations or cause other serious damage is punishable by up to two years imprisonment.
(2) By imprisonment from one to five years or by pecuniary punishment or by disqualification shall be punished the perpetrator, if the act stipulated under subparagraph 1 has committed through press, film, radio, television or other similarly effective way.
Simple Offences Act
(Law No. 372/1990 of the Official Gazette)
Article 49 Simple offences against civil cohabitation
1) Simple offence commits anyone who
(a) offends another person by insulting him/her or exposing him/her to ridicule
2) This offence may be punished by a fine up to 1 000 Sk.
Civil Code
(Law No. 40/1964 of the Official Gazette)
Article 11 Protection of personality
Any natural person has the right to protection of his or her personality, in particular of his or her life and health, civil and human dignity, privacy, name and personal characteristics.
Article 13
a) any natural person has the right to request that unjustified infringement of his or her personal rights should be stopped and the consequences of such infringement eliminated, and to obtain appropriate satisfaction.
b) In cases when the satisfaction obtained under Article 13 (1) is insufficient, in particular because a persons dignity and position in society has been considerably diminished, the injured person is entitled to compensation for non-pecuniary damage.
According to the International Press Institute, in a case, the European Court on Human Rights had to assure that the simple reporting should not be illegal. Cf. : http://www.freemedia.at/wpfr/Europe/slovakia.htm (case Feldek-Hrico)
Source: Criminal Code
Civil Code
http://www.coe.int/T/e/human%5Frights/media/5%5FDocumentary%5FResources/2_Thematic_documentation/Broadcasting_&_convergence/DH-MM(2003)007%20E%20Overview%20broadcasting%20authorities.asp#P2883_119344
Verified: 2007/01/09
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: Code of ethics in general:
http://www.ijnet.org/FE_Article/codeethics.asp?UILang=1&CId=8352&CIdLang=1
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/09
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
Comments: Art. 23. of the LENC (Law on the Election to the National Council)
Running political parties can conduct election campaigns through radio or television broadcasting only on Slovak Radio and Slovak Television. Election campaigning is prohibited in the radio broadcasting and television broadcasting of private licence holders.
Source: http://www.legislationline.org/view.php?document=55068
Verified: 2007/01/09
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
Comments: Art. 23. of the LENC (Law on the Election to the National Council)
Running political parties can conduct election campaigns through radio or television broadcasting only on Slovak Radio and Slovak Television. Election campaigning is prohibited in the radio broadcasting and television broadcasting of private licence holders.
Source: http://www.legislationline.org/view.php?document=55068
Verified: 2007/01/09
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):
e . None
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/04/02
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):
h . No information available
Comments: Not applicable since the time which is allocated for election campaign to political parties by Slovak Television, Slovak Radio and licensed broadcaster is not free but paid. Otherwise the allocation is equal regardless of size of political party and previous performance.
Source: Act On Elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Section 15 & 24: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-municipalities-election-law-1990/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
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
Comments:
Source: See C.2
Art. 23. of the LENC (Law on the Election to the National Council)
Verified: 2007/01/09
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
Comments:
Source: see above C.2.
Art. 23. of the LENC (Law on the Election to the National Council)
Verified: 2007/01/09
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):
e . None
Comments:
Source: see above C.2.
Art. 23. of the LENC (Law on the Election to the National Council)
Verified: 2007/01/09
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:
Source: Art. 23. of the LENC (Law on the Election to the National Council)
Verified: 2006/04/03
ME047
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide presidential candidates with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments: Comments: The Candidate for the President can use no more than 4 million Slovak crowns VAT incl. for his/her pre-election campaign. This sum shall cover the expenses the candidate paid off or is to pay off, including expenses the third persons paid off or committed to pay off for the Candidate for the President. Should the advert or program be published or broadcast free of charge or for a lower price in media other than Slovak Radio or Slovak Television, their usual price shall be calculated in the stated sum.
Art. 15. para (4)
For the campaign Slovak Radio and Slovak Television shall allocate not more than one hour of their broadcasting time per each Candidate, 10 hours of broadcasting time at the most, in such a way that the determined time for broadcasting shall not put any of the Candidates in a less favorable position. The claim to the broadcasting time must be filed at least five days before the start of the campaign, or it shall lapse. Slovak Radio and Slovak Television shall provide for distinct identification and separation of this broadcasting from other programs.
(5) The holder of the license for radio or TV broadcasting (hereinafter referred to as "the license holder" only) can allocate not more than one hour of broadcasting time for the campaign of each Candidate, 10 hours of broadcasting time at the most. The license holders shall provide for distinct identification and separation of this broadcasting from other programs by broadcasting an announcement for the public that it is a paid political advertising.
(6) The payments for using telecommunication facility11) shall be reimbursed to Slovak Radio and Slovak Television according to the extent of the broadcasting time allocated pursuant to clause (4) from the state budget of the Slovak Republic.
Source: Art. 15-16. of the presidential election act
Verified: 2007/01/09
ME048
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide presidential candidates with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments: Comments: The Candidate for the President can use no more than 4 million Slovak crowns VAT incl. for his/her pre-election campaign. This sum shall cover the expenses the candidate paid off or is to pay off, including expenses the third persons paid off or committed to pay off for the Candidate for the President. Should the advert or program be published or broadcast free of charge or for a lower price in media other than Slovak Radio or Slovak Television, their usual price shall be calculated in the stated sum.
Art. 15. para (4)
For the campaign Slovak Radio and Slovak Television shall allocate not more than one hour of their broadcasting time per each Candidate, 10 hours of broadcasting time at the most, in such a way that the determined time for broadcasting shall not put any of the Candidates in a less favorable position. The claim to the broadcasting time must be filed at least five days before the start of the campaign, or it shall lapse. Slovak Radio and Slovak Television shall provide for distinct identification and separation of this broadcasting from other programs.
(5) The holder of the license for radio or TV broadcasting (hereinafter referred to as "the license holder" only) can allocate not more than one hour of broadcasting time for the campaign of each Candidate, 10 hours of broadcasting time at the most. The license holders shall provide for distinct identification and separation of this broadcasting from other programs by broadcasting an announcement for the public that it is a paid political advertising.
(6) The payments for using telecommunication facility11) shall be reimbursed to Slovak Radio and Slovak Television according to the extent of the broadcasting time allocated pursuant to clause (4) from the state budget of the Slovak Republic.
Source: Art. 5-16. of the presidential election act
Verified: 2007/01/09
ME050
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to presidential candidates?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size and previous performance of candidate's party
Comments: Art. 15. para. 3 of the presidential election act provides that during the campaign time each Candidate shall have equal access to mass media.
- Art. 15. provides as well:
For the campaign Slovak Radio and Slovak Television shall allocate not more than one hour of their broadcasting time per each Candidate, 10 hours of broadcasting time at the most, in such a way that the determined time for broadcasting shall not put any of the Candidates in a less favorable position. The claim to the broadcasting time must be filed at least five days before the start of the campaign, or it shall lapse. Slovak Radio and Slovak Television shall provide for distinct identification and separation of this broadcasting from other programs.
(5) The holder of the license for radio or TV broadcasting (hereinafter referred to as "the license holder" only) can allocate not more than one hour of broadcasting time for the campaign of each Candidate, 10 hours of broadcasting time at the most. The license holders shall provide for distinct identification and separation of this broadcasting from other programs by broadcasting an announcement for the public that it is a paid political advertising.
Source: Art. 15. para. 3 of the presidential election act
Verified: 2007/01/09
ME051
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide presidential candidates with paid broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Art. 15-19. of the presidential election act
Verified: 2005/04/02
ME052
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide presidential candidates with paid broadcast for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Art. 15-19. of the presidential election act
Verified: 2005/04/02
ME053
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide presidential candidates with paid printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Art. 15-19. of the presidential election act
Verified: 2005/04/02
ME054
Question: What are the criteria for allocating paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space to presidential candidates?
Answer(s):
h . Other (specify)
Comments: The holder of the license for radio or TV broadcasting can allocate not more than one hour of broadcasting time for the campaign of each Candidate, 10 hours of broadcasting time at the most. The license holders shall provide for distinct identification and separation of this broadcasting from other programs by broadcasting an announcement for the public that it is a paid political advertising
Source: Art. 15. para. 5. of the presidential election act
Verified: 2005/04/02
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments:
Source: Slovakia Parliamentary Elections September 20 & 21, 2002. Election Report, Pages 2 & 5: https://www.ndi.org/node/21897
Verified: 2024/10/25
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:
a . 1 day
Comments: - 1 days before the election day (parliamentary)
- 3 days before the election day (presidential)
Source: Act on Election of the President of the Slovak Republic, plebiscite, recalling of president and amending of some other acts, as amended, Article 15 (14): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-presidential-election-law-1999/view
Act On Elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Section 24(14): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-municipalities-election-law-1990/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
ME064
Question: If exit polls are permitted, when can the results be disseminated via the media?
Answer(s):
b . After all polls close
Comments: Art. 15. para. 16. of the presidential election act provides that It is banned to publish polls on results of the voting during the election.
Source: Art. 15. para. 16. of the presidential election act
Verified: 2005/04/02
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: Art. 15. para. 16. of the presidential election act provides that It is banned to publish polls on results of the voting during the election.
Source: Art. 15. para. 16. of the presidential election act
Verified: 2005/04/02
ME066
Question: Are the media allowed to project/predict winners before the final results are available?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: there is no prohibition
Verified: 2005/04/02
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: A candidate for the presidential office may use maximally 132,775 EUR in total including the value added tax for his/her promotion during the campaign before the election.13) This amount shall include the amounts paid, or to be paid, by the candidate for the presidential office, including the amounts paid, or to be paid on behalf of the candidate for the presidential office by third persons. Should a commercial, advertisement or program be published or broadcasted free-of-charge or at a lower price elsewhere than in the Slovak Radio or the Slovak Television, their usual price shall be included in the above amount.
Source: Section 16: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-presidential-election-law-1999/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
Direct Democracy
DD001
Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Name and Title: Livia Skultetyova, JUDr
Job Title: Head of the Elections and Referendum Department
Organisation: Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic
Contact Address. Drienova 22, 826 86 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
Telephone: 00421 2 48592310
Facsimile: 00421 2 43333552
Email: [email protected]
Source
No Source
Verified
2009/10/26
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 7
(1) The Slovak Republic may enter into a state union with other states upon its free
decision. The decision on entering into a state union with other states, or on withdrawal
from this union, shall be made by a constitutional law which must be confirmed by a
referendum.
Article 93
(1)A referendum is used to confirm a constitutional law on entering into a union with other states, or on withdrawing from that union.
(2)A referendum can be used to decide also on other important issues of public interest.
(3)Basic rights and freedoms, taxes, levies and the state budget may not be the subject of a referendum.
Article 94
Every citizen of the Slovak Republic who has the right to vote in elections of the
National Council of the Slovak Republic is entitled to participate in the referendum.
Article 95
(1) The referendum is called by the President of the Slovak Republic if requested by a
petition signed by a minimum of 350,000 citizens, or on the basis of a resolution of the
National Council of the Slovak Republic, within 30 days after the receipt of the citizens'
petition, or the resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic.
(2) The President of the Slovak Republic may, before calling a referendum, file with the
Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic a petition for a decision whether the subject of
the referendum, which should be called on the basis of a citizens’ petition or a resolution of
the National Council of the Slovak Republic pursuant to paragraph 1, is in compliance with
the Constitution or a constitutional law. If the President of the Slovak Republic files with
the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic a petition for a decision whether the
subject of the referendum which should be called on the basis of a citizens’ petition or a
resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic is in compliance with the
Constitution or a constitutional act, the period pursuant to paragraph 1 shall not continue
from filing of a petition by the President of the Slovak Republic until the decision of the
Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic becomes effective.
Article 96
(1) The motion to pass a resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic on
calling a referendum may be introduced by Members of Parliament, or by the Government
of the Slovak Republic.
(2) A referendum shall be held within 90 days from the day it was called by the
President of the Slovak Republic.
Article 97
(1) A referendum may not be held within 90 days prior to elections to the National
Council of the Slovak Republic.
(2) A referendum may be held on the day of elections to the National Council of the
Slovak Republic.
Article 98
(1) The results of the referendum are valid if more than one-half of eligible voters
participated in it and if the decision was endorsed by more than one half of the participants
in the referendum.
(2) The proposals adopted in the referendum will be promulgated by the National
Council of the Slovak Republic in the same way as it promulgates laws.
Article 99
(1) The National Council of the Slovak Republic may amend or annul the result of a
referendum by means of a constitutional law no sooner than three years after the result of
the referendum came into effect.
(2) A referendum on the same issue may be repeated no sooner than three years from
the day it was held.
Article 100
A law shall lay down the manner in which the referendum will be carried out.
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic, Articles 7(1), 93-100
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/constitution-of-the-slovak-republic-as-amended-to/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 93
(1)A referendum is used to confirm a constitutional law on entering into a union with other states, or on withdrawing from that union.
(2)A referendum can be used to decide also on other important issues of public interest.
(3)Basic rights and freedoms, taxes, levies and the state budget may not be the subject of a referendum.
Article 94
Every citizen of the Slovak Republic who has the right to vote in elections of the
National Council of the Slovak Republic is entitled to participate in the referendum.
Article 95
(1) The referendum is called by the President of the Slovak Republic if requested by a
petition signed by a minimum of 350,000 citizens, or on the basis of a resolution of the
National Council of the Slovak Republic, within 30 days after the receipt of the citizens'
petition, or the resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic.
(2) The President of the Slovak Republic may, before calling a referendum, file with the
Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic a petition for a decision whether the subject of
the referendum, which should be called on the basis of a citizens’ petition or a resolution of
the National Council of the Slovak Republic pursuant to paragraph 1, is in compliance with
the Constitution or a constitutional law. If the President of the Slovak Republic files with
the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic a petition for a decision whether the
subject of the referendum which should be called on the basis of a citizens’ petition or a
resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic is in compliance with the
Constitution or a constitutional act, the period pursuant to paragraph 1 shall not continue
from filing of a petition by the President of the Slovak Republic until the decision of the
Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic becomes effective.
Article 96
(1) The motion to pass a resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic on
calling a referendum may be introduced by Members of Parliament, or by the Government
of the Slovak Republic.
(2) A referendum shall be held within 90 days from the day it was called by the
President of the Slovak Republic.
Article 97
(1) A referendum may not be held within 90 days prior to elections to the National
Council of the Slovak Republic.
(2) A referendum may be held on the day of elections to the National Council of the
Slovak Republic.
Article 98
(1) The results of the referendum are valid if more than one-half of eligible voters
participated in it and if the decision was endorsed by more than one half of the participants
in the referendum.
(2) The proposals adopted in the referendum will be promulgated by the National
Council of the Slovak Republic in the same way as it promulgates laws.
Article 99
(1) The National Council of the Slovak Republic may amend or annul the result of a
referendum by means of a constitutional law no sooner than three years after the result of
the referendum came into effect.
(2) A referendum on the same issue may be repeated no sooner than three years from
the day it was held.
Article 100
A law shall lay down the manner in which the referendum will be carried out.
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic, Articles 93-100
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/constitution-of-the-slovak-republic-as-amended-to/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 93
(1)A referendum is used to confirm a constitutional law on entering into a union with other states, or on withdrawing from that union.
(2)A referendum can be used to decide also on other important issues of public interest.
(3)Basic rights and freedoms, taxes, levies and the state budget may not be the subject of a referendum.
Article 94
Every citizen of the Slovak Republic who has the right to vote in elections of the
National Council of the Slovak Republic is entitled to participate in the referendum.
Article 95
(1) The referendum is called by the President of the Slovak Republic if requested by a
petition signed by a minimum of 350,000 citizens, or on the basis of a resolution of the
National Council of the Slovak Republic, within 30 days after the receipt of the citizens'
petition, or the resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic.
(2) The President of the Slovak Republic may, before calling a referendum, file with the
Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic a petition for a decision whether the subject of
the referendum, which should be called on the basis of a citizens’ petition or a resolution of
the National Council of the Slovak Republic pursuant to paragraph 1, is in compliance with
the Constitution or a constitutional law. If the President of the Slovak Republic files with
the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic a petition for a decision whether the
subject of the referendum which should be called on the basis of a citizens’ petition or a
resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic is in compliance with the
Constitution or a constitutional act, the period pursuant to paragraph 1 shall not continue
from filing of a petition by the President of the Slovak Republic until the decision of the
Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic becomes effective.
Article 96
(1) The motion to pass a resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic on
calling a referendum may be introduced by Members of Parliament, or by the Government
of the Slovak Republic.
(2) A referendum shall be held within 90 days from the day it was called by the
President of the Slovak Republic.
Article 97
(1) A referendum may not be held within 90 days prior to elections to the National
Council of the Slovak Republic.
(2) A referendum may be held on the day of elections to the National Council of the
Slovak Republic.
Article 98
(1) The results of the referendum are valid if more than one-half of eligible voters
participated in it and if the decision was endorsed by more than one half of the participants
in the referendum.
(2) The proposals adopted in the referendum will be promulgated by the National
Council of the Slovak Republic in the same way as it promulgates laws.
Article 99
(1) The National Council of the Slovak Republic may amend or annul the result of a
referendum by means of a constitutional law no sooner than three years after the result of
the referendum came into effect.
(2) A referendum on the same issue may be repeated no sooner than three years from
the day it was held.
Article 100
A law shall lay down the manner in which the referendum will be carried out.
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic, Articles 93-100
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/constitution-of-the-slovak-republic-as-amended-to/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 93
(1)A referendum is used to confirm a constitutional law on entering into a union with other states, or on withdrawing from that union.
(2)A referendum can be used to decide also on other important issues of public interest.
(3)Basic rights and freedoms, taxes, levies and the state budget may not be the subject of a referendum.
Article 94
Every citizen of the Slovak Republic who has the right to vote in elections of the
National Council of the Slovak Republic is entitled to participate in the referendum.
Article 95
(1) The referendum is called by the President of the Slovak Republic if requested by a
petition signed by a minimum of 350,000 citizens, or on the basis of a resolution of the
National Council of the Slovak Republic, within 30 days after the receipt of the citizens'
petition, or the resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic.
(2) The President of the Slovak Republic may, before calling a referendum, file with the
Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic a petition for a decision whether the subject of
the referendum, which should be called on the basis of a citizens’ petition or a resolution of
the National Council of the Slovak Republic pursuant to paragraph 1, is in compliance with
the Constitution or a constitutional law. If the President of the Slovak Republic files with
the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic a petition for a decision whether the
subject of the referendum which should be called on the basis of a citizens’ petition or a
resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic is in compliance with the
Constitution or a constitutional act, the period pursuant to paragraph 1 shall not continue
from filing of a petition by the President of the Slovak Republic until the decision of the
Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic becomes effective.
Article 96
(1) The motion to pass a resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic on
calling a referendum may be introduced by Members of Parliament, or by the Government
of the Slovak Republic.
(2) A referendum shall be held within 90 days from the day it was called by the
President of the Slovak Republic.
Article 97
(1) A referendum may not be held within 90 days prior to elections to the National
Council of the Slovak Republic.
(2) A referendum may be held on the day of elections to the National Council of the
Slovak Republic.
Article 98
(1) The results of the referendum are valid if more than one-half of eligible voters
participated in it and if the decision was endorsed by more than one half of the participants
in the referendum.
(2) The proposals adopted in the referendum will be promulgated by the National
Council of the Slovak Republic in the same way as it promulgates laws.
Article 99
(1) The National Council of the Slovak Republic may amend or annul the result of a
referendum by means of a constitutional law no sooner than three years after the result of
the referendum came into effect.
(2) A referendum on the same issue may be repeated no sooner than three years from
the day it was held.
Article 100
A law shall lay down the manner in which the referendum will be carried out.
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic, Articles 93-100
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/constitution-of-the-slovak-republic-as-amended-to/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Table 8.4. Frequency of usage of direct democracy mechanisms at the national
level in Europe
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook. Page 186: https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook.pdf
Verified: 2024/10/25
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: (1) Announcement of the chairman of the National Council of the Slovak Republic about holding of a plebiscite on recalling of the president21) (hereinafter the “plebiscite”) shall be promulgated in the Collection of Laws of the Slovak Republic.
(2) The announcement on holding of the plebiscite shall include
a) the day of approval of a decision issued by the National Council of the Slovak Republic, based on which the plebiscite is to be held,
b) the day, or days, when the plebiscite is to be held; Section 2 §§ 2 – 4 shall apply to determination of the time of the plebiscite.
Source: Act on election of the president of the Slovak Republic, plebiscite, recalling of president and amending of some other acts, as amended, Articles 32-49: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-presidential-election-law-1999/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
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):
b . Specific laws/legislation
Comments: C:100 "A law will establish the manner in which the referendum will be carried out."
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic (1992), Art. 100; the Act on the way of executing referendum (1992)
Verified: 2006/12/10
DD009
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
b . Specific laws/legislation
Comments: C:100 "A law will establish the manner in which the referendum will be carried out."
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic (1992), Art. 93–100; the Act on the way of executing referendum (1992)
Verified: 2006/12/10
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):
b . Specific laws/legislation
Comments: C:100 "A law will establish the manner in which the referendum will be carried out."
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic (1992), Art. 93–100; the Act on the way of executing referendum (1992)
Verified: 2006/12/10
DD100
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/04/01
DD101
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a recall?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/04/01
DD104
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/04/01
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):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/04/01
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: 2006/12/10
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: 2005/04/01
DD015
Question: Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
Answer(s):
c . President
Comments:
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic (1992), Art. 95
Verified: 2006/12/10
DD016
Question: Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: b) National elections are managed by the Central Election Commission
Source: Law on the Election to the National Council (LENC)
Verified: 2006/12/10
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:
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic (1992), Art. 67(1); The Act on self-administration of the higher regional units (2001), 15
Verified: 2006/12/10
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:
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic (1992), Art. 67(1); The Act on self-administration of the higher regional units (2001), 15
Verified: 2006/12/10
DD019
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/10
DD020
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/10
DD021
Question: Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/10
DD022
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: a) The community decides independently in matters of local self-administration. Duties and restrictions may be imposed on it only by the law. Territorial self-administration is enacted at meetings of community residents, by means of a local referendum, or through community bodies.
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic (1992), Art. 67(1); the Act on Municipality Bodies and Administration of Municipality Matters (1990), 11a
Verified: 2006/12/10
DD023
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: a) The community decides independently in matters of local self-administration. Duties and restrictions may be imposed on it only by the law. Territorial self-administration is enacted at meetings of community residents, by means of a local referendum, or through community bodies.
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic (1992), Art. 67(1); the Act on Municipality Bodies and Administration of Municipality Matters (1990), 11a
Verified: 2006/12/10
DD024
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/04/01
DD025
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/10
DD026
Question: Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/04/01
DD027
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional amendments b . Adoption of international treaties c . Transfer of authority to international bodies
Comments: b) Partly. Art. 93 of the Constitution: (1) A referendum will be used to confirm a constitutional law on entering into an alliance with other states or on withdrawing from that alliance
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic (1992), Art. 93
Verified: 2006/12/10
DD028
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
Answer(s):
j . Other (specify)
Comments: j) Important issues of public interest.
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic (1992), Art. 93(2)
Verified: 2006/12/10
DD029
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
Answer(s):
h . Taxes and public expenditure commitments i . Other public policy issues
Comments: i) Basic rights and liberties, taxes, levies, and the state budget cannot be the subject of a referendum
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic (1992), Art. 93(2)
Verified: 2006/12/10
DD030
Question: Which issues, if any, maybe the subject of sub-national referendums regulated at the national level?
Answer(s):
c . Other public policy issues d . Other (specify)
Comments: art. 67 of the Constitution gives the possibility to make local referenda in matters of local self-administration
Source: art. 67 of the Constitution
Verified: 2005/04/01
DD031
Question: Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Government d . Legislative majority e . Registered electors
Comments: Article 95
The referendum is called by the president of the Slovak Republic if requested by a petition signed by a minimum of 350,000 citizens or on the basis of a resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, within 30 days after the receipt of the citizens' petition or the resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic.
Article 96
(1) The motion to pass a resolution of the National Council of the Slovak Republic on calling a referendum can be tabled by deputies of the National Council of the Slovak Republic or by the Government of the Slovak Republic.
Source: Art. 95-96 of the Constitution
Verified: 2006/12/10
DD040
Question: What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
a . Simple majority (>50%)
Comments:
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic (1992), Art. 98
Verified: 2006/12/10
DD041
Question: What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
a . Simple majority (>50%)
Comments:
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic (1992), Art. 98
Verified: 2006/12/10
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: g) Art. 94 of the constitution guarantees, that every citizen of the Slovak Republic who has the right to vote in elections of the National Council of the Slovak Republic is entitled to participate in the referendum.
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic (1992), Art. 94
Verified: 2006/12/10
DD043
Question: When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
Answer:
b . Under certain circumstances (specify below)
Comments:
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic (1992), Art. 99
Verified: 2006/12/10
DD044
Question: When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
Answer:
b . Under certain circumstances (specify below)
Comments:
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic (1992), Art. 99
Verified: 2006/12/10
DD045
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional amendments b . Legislative proposals c . Other (specify)
Comments: c) Important issues of public interest.
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic (1992), Art. 93(2)
Verified: 2006/12/10
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:
Verified: 2005/04/01
DD047
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
h . Taxes and public expenditure commitments i . Other public policy issues
Comments: i) Basic rights and liberties, taxes, levies, and the state budget cannot be the subject of a referendum.
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic (1992), Art. 93(3)
Verified: 2006/12/10
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: 2006/12/10
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) 350 000 citizens.
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic (1992), Art. 95
Verified: 2006/12/10
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: 2005/04/01
DD053
Question: Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
Answer:
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/04/01
DD065
Question: Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
Answer(s):
b . President
Comments:
Source: art. 32-49 presidential election act
Verified: 2005/04/01
DD066
Question: What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
Answer(s):
a . Political or policy grounds
Comments: The procedure of recall of the President begins in the Parliament, and approved by referendum.
cf.: The National Council of the Slovak Republic can recall the president from his post if the president is engaged in activity directed against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Slovak Republic or in activity aimed at eliminating the Slovak Republic's democratic constitutional system. In such cases, the motion to recall the president may be tabled by more than one-half of all deputies. The consent of at least a three-fifths majority of all deputies is required for the president to be recalled.
Source: The constitution and the act on presidential election and removal of the president. Art. 106 of the constitution
Verified: 2006/12/10
DD069
Question: When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
Answer:
b . Separately and subsequently
Comments:
Source: The Presidential Election Law contains no information about a simultanous election
Verified: 2005/04/01
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: 2005/04/01
DD087
Question: Where can proposals for an abrogative referendum (optional) be signed?
Answer(s):
a . Anywhere
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/04/01
DD088
Question: Where can proposals for a rejective referendum (optional) be signed?
Answer(s):
a . Anywhere
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/04/01
DD089
Question: Where can proposals for a citizens' initiative be signed?
Answer(s):
a . Anywhere
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/04/01
DD090
Question: Where can proposals for an agenda initiative be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/04/01
DD091
Question: Where can proposals for a recall be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/04/01
DD096
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a recall?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/04/01
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
b . Sometimes binding
Comments: "The results of the referendum are valid if more than one-half of eligible voters participated in it and if the decision was endorsed by more than one half of the participants in the referendum." The Constitution of the Slovak Republic, Article 98(1).
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic, Article 98-100: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/constitution-of-the-slovak-republic-as-amended-to/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
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: Yes, but it is limited in the following way:
“Basic rights and freedoms, taxes, levies and the state budget may not be the subject of a referendum.” - Constitution of the Slovak Republic, Article 93
Source: The Constitution of the Slovak Republic, Article 93: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/constitution-of-the-slovak-republic-as-amended-to/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Table 8.4. Frequency of usage of direct democracy mechanisms at the national
level in Europe
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook. Page 186: https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook.pdf
Verified: 2024/10/25
DD132
Year of introducing Direct Democracy
Question: What year were the first Direct Democracy mechanisms introduced to the legal framework?
Answer:
f . 1981-2000
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/10/26
DD133
Question: What year was the first referendum/initiative held?
Answer:
f . 1981-2000
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/10/26
Voting Operations
VO001
Question: Approximately what percentage (on the basis of cost) of election day supplies and equipment are obtained or produced within the country?
Answer:
a . 91-100%
Comments:
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová
Verified: 2002/04/16
VO002
Question: Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, +421-7/4333 8662
Verified: 2002/06/18
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections f . By mail j . Other
Comments: Section 27
Method of voting
(1) An elector may vote in the territory of the Slovak Republic:
a) in the polling district in whose electoral register he or she is registered, or
b) in another polling district on the basis of a voting certificate, except for a polling district established pursuant to
section 12(4).
(2) An elector may vote outside the territory of the Slovak Republic by post.
(3) A postal vote may be cast by
a) an elector who does not have permanent residence in the Slovak Republic and who at his or her own request has
been registered in the special electoral register pursuant to section 10, or
b) an elector with permanent residence in the Slovak Republic who is outside its territory at the time of the elections
and who makes a request to vote by post to the municipality in which he or she has permanent residence.
Source: Act On Elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Sections 30: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-municipalities-election-law-1990/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country c . Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation)
Comments: Section 34
Postal voting by electors who do not have permanent residence in the Slovak Republic
(1) An elector who does not have permanent residence in the Slovak Republic and who has been registered in the special electoral register pursuant to section 10 shall be sent by the city borough of Bratislava-Petržalka not later thirty-five days before polling day to his or her address of permanent residence abroad:
a) an envelope pursuant to section 28,
b) ballot papers,
c) a return envelope, and
d) instructions on how to vote.
Section 35
Postal voting by electors who have permanent residence in the Slovak Republic and who are outside its territory at
the time of the elections
(1) An elector with permanent residence in the Slovak Republic who will be outside its territory at the time of the elections may make a request in writing to vote by post to the municipality in which he or she has permanent residence. The request must be delivered not later than fifty days before polling day.
(2) The municipality shall send the elector not later than thirty-five days before polling day to his or her designated address of permanent residence abroad:
a) an envelope pursuant to section 28,
b) ballot papers,
c) a return envelope, and
d) instructions on how to vote
Source: Act On Elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Sections 34 & 35: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-municipalities-election-law-1990/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
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: Section 34
Postal voting by electors who do not have permanent residence in the Slovak Republic
(1) An elector who does not have permanent residence in the Slovak Republic and who has been registered in the special electoral register pursuant to section 10 shall be sent by the city borough of Bratislava-Petržalka not later thirty-five days before polling day to his or her address of permanent residence abroad:
a) an envelope pursuant to section 28,
b) ballot papers,
c) a return envelope, and
d) instructions on how to vote.
Section 35
Postal voting by electors who have permanent residence in the Slovak Republic and who are outside its territory at
the time of the elections
(1) An elector with permanent residence in the Slovak Republic who will be outside its territory at the time of the elections may make a request in writing to vote by post to the municipality in which he or she has permanent residence. The request must be delivered not later than fifty days before polling day.
(2) The municipality shall send the elector not later than thirty-five days before polling day to his or her designated address of permanent residence abroad:
a) an envelope pursuant to section 28,
b) ballot papers,
c) a return envelope, and
d) instructions on how to vote
Source: Act On Elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Sections 34 & 35: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-municipalities-election-law-1990/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
VO006
Question: Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
Answer:
a . No
Comments:
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, +421-7/4333 8662
Verified: 2002/06/18
VO007
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, +421-7/4333 8662
Verified: 2002/06/18
VO008
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová, Head of the Election department, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, +421-7/4333 8662
Verified: 2002/06/18
VO009
Question: Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: SOLDIERS OF ARMED FORCES AND MEMBERS OF ARMED SECURITY FORCES WHO ARE COLLECTIVELY ACCOMODATED, SHALL BE REGISTERED IN THE LIST IN THE MUNICIPALITY WHERE THAT UNIT IS LOCATED. IN SUCH A CASE THE NUMBER OF THE VOTERS CAN BE HIGHER
Source: Mrs. Lívia Skultétyová
PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION ACT ART. 10.
Verified: 2002/04/19
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments: Section 30
Voting
(5) After receiving the ballot papers and an envelope, an elector shall go to a polling booth. In the polling booth, an elector shall place in the envelope one ballot paper. On the ballot paper which an elector places in the envelope, he or she may circle the number of not more than four candidates to which he or she gives preference. Other marks on the ballot paper shall not be taken into account.
(6) An elector who is unable to mark a ballot paper owing to physical disability, or an inability to read or write, shall have the right to be accompanied in the polling booth by another elector, who is a not a member of the polling district commission, for the purpose of marking his or her ballot paper as he or she instructs and placing it in the envelope.
(7) To cast a vote, an elector shall leave the polling booth and place the envelope in the ballot box in front of the polling district commission. If an elector has not gone to a polling booth, the polling district commission shall not allow him or her to cast a vote.
(8) For serious reasons, in particular of health, the polling district commission may allow an elector on request to cast his or her vote outside the polling station and within the polling district for which the polling district commission was established. In such a case, the polling district commission shall send to the elector two of its members together with the portable ballot box, envelopes and ballot papers; these members of the commission shall ensure that secrecy of voting is observed. The elector's participation in voting shall be registered by the polling district commission in each copy of the electoral register immediately after the two commission members sent with the portable ballot box have returned to the polling station.
Source: Act On Elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Sections 30
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-municipalities-election-law-1990/view
Verified: 2024/10/25
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