The Parliament’s Independent Institutions Committee has passed the “Public Referendum Bill,” paving the way for referendums to be held both nationwide and within specific regions.
The bill, proposed by PNC Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Falah on behalf of the government, was reviewed by the committee and passed with amendments. It was unanimously approved by the members present and will now be sent to the Parliament floor.
One key amendment introduced under Article 4 allows the President to order a special referendum limited to citizens of a specific region on matters concerning that region.
The committee also revised Article 19 of the bill, which originally required at least 45 days and no more than 90 days between the submission and voting date of a public referendum. The amendment gives the Elections Commission the authority to set a shorter timeframe in cases of region-specific referendums.
Additional amendments include the introduction of a clear method for determining results. A majority will be considered achieved if more than 50% of valid votes are in favor. The committee also decided that funds for a referendum must be allocated within 10 days of the Elections Commission’s budget request.
The bill allows referendums to be held on matters concerning citizens, national issues, and issues requiring a public vote under the Constitution. This includes amendments to fundamental rights in Chapter 2 of the Constitution, changes to the parliamentary term, and the method of electing the President. A public referendum is also required when the President ratifies a bill to amend the Constitution or on matters relating to the country’s territory.
Under the bill, a referendum can be initiated through a resolution passed by a parliamentary majority, or directly by the President if he deems it necessary.
The government has previously announced plans for constitutional changes, including shifting the start date of the presidential term back to November 11 and adding provisions on the country’s territory.President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has indicated plans to hold a referendum this year to eliminate the second round of presidential elections by introducing a preferential voting system, and to hold presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously.
