The Referendum Bill 2025 establishes a comprehensive legal framework designed to govern the conduct of national referendums in the country. This legislation outlines crucial aspects such as eligibility to vote, the specific conditions under which a referendum may be called, and the overall procedural guidelines, emphasizing that polling day will officially be designated a public holiday to facilitate voter participation.
According to the proposed law, a referendum can be initiated in two primary scenarios. The first occurs when a parliamentary bill aimed at amending the Constitution successfully passes through Parliament, consistent with section 160 of the Constitution. The second scenario allows Parliament to declare an issue of substantial national importance, warranting direct input from voters.
After meeting either of these conditions, the President is required to refer the matter to the Electoral Commission, following a notification from the Speaker of Parliament. Under the bill’s provisions, any individual registered in the National Register of Voters is entitled to vote in the referendum, with strict regulations in place to ensure fairness; notably, voters are limited to casting a single ballot, and attempts to vote more than once are classified as an offense.
The National Register of Voters serves as definitive proof of an individual’s right to participate in the referendum. To ensure a smooth electoral process, the bill mandates that the Supervisor of Elections adopt established electoral procedures from the Electoral Act 2014 to oversee the referendum logistics. This will include utilizing existing polling venues while allowing for the creation of additional stations as needed.
Furthermore, the Supervisor of Elections is tasked with publishing a public notice at least five days prior to the polling date. This notice will detail the locations of polling stations, the referendum questions to be posed, and the symbols that will appear on the ballot papers.
A highlight of the bill is the provision that refers to the polling day as a public holiday, which is anticipated to enhance voter turnout by making it easier for individuals to engage in the democratic process. The bill represents a significant step towards greater civic engagement and ensures that citizens have a vital say in shaping the future of their country through direct democracy.
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