A referendum is a public vote by which voters decide on a set question/s. Referendums are one of the most direct forms of democracy and may, therefore, reflect civic participation to a relatively greater degree than less direct forms.
Any citizen of Georgia, who has attained the age of 18 years by the referendum day, regardless of race, skin colour, language, gender, origin, religion, political and other opinions, national, ethnic and social origin, property and birth status and place of residence, may participate in a referendum.
The following citizens may not participate in a referendum:
- According to the decision of the court, he is known as the recipient of the supporter and is placed in the appropriate inpatient medical facility.
- a citizen who has been convicted and is in a penitentiary facility on the referendum day
Referendums may be held on particularly important national issues, including major issues and principles provided for by the laws and treaties and international agreements of Georgia. Referendums may also be held to introduce new types of national taxes, except for excise, or to raise the upper threshold of the current rate according to the type of a national tax.
A referendum may not be held:
- for adoption or repeal of a law
- for amnesty and pardon
- on the ratification and denunciation of treaties and international agreements
- on issues restricting fundamental constitutional human rights and freedoms
What human rights violation may there be?
If you are either directly or indirectly being prevented from voting, including if your need to vote at home, at a hospice, or a place of imprisonment is not being accommodated in accordance with the law, or if the referendums themselves are not fair, your right to vote and more generally your right to free elections may have been violated.