What is a referendum?

A referendum is best defined as a direct vote where the entire electorate votes on a specific proposal. This process typically involves significant issues such as constitutional amendments, changes in legislation, or key policy decisions. In a referendum, every eligible voter has the opportunity to express their preference, usually through a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ ballot. This direct form of democracy allows citizens to engage actively in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.

The nature of a referendum also sets it apart from other voting processes, where representatives make decisions on behalf of the electorate, as is the case in representative democracies. Furthermore, the function of a referendum is not limited to any specific level of governance or only to local elections, and it is not a trial period for new laws. Instead, it serves as a mechanism for the public to make definitive decisions on particular issues, thereby reinforcing the democratic principle of popular sovereignty.