Can a referendum be held on the Istanbul Convention? Responsible CCA – Respublika.lt

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President of the Central Election Commission Laura Matjošaitytė. Editorial photo

“A member of the Seimas approached the CEC asking if a referendum could be organized. However, the CEC decides on a specific referendum matter when an initiative group called by law applies to the CEC. A text of specific referendum, which the CEC evaluates according to its compliance with the Constitution and other legal acts. Therefore, even in this case, we responded to the Seimas member that we cannot present a preliminary evaluation. Each case is evaluated on its own merits . The content and the form of the question are evaluated. It is clarified if the question is formulated clearly, if it does not cover several questions, if it is not misleading, etc. “, explained L. Matjošaitytė.

The President pointed out that the Istanbul Convention is an international agreement, the ratification and denunciation of which is provided by law as the prerogative of the Seimas. In addition, the Constitutional Court has said that the direct participation of citizens in the government of their country is a very important expression of sovereign power, but that a referendum cannot solve all, but only the most important issues in the life of the state and the nation.

The Constitution and the Treaty Law say that the treaty is ratified and denounced by a specific institution in the country: the Seimas, “said L. Matjošaitytė.

The CEC president was also unable to answer whether a possible referendum was related to the issue of a homogeneous association. “In any case, whatever the initiative, we would appreciate it. If necessary, we use the help of lawyers and scientists. Only after evaluating all threats and risks is a decision made. The CEC acts as a kind of filter that ensures that the referendum text is appropriate and does not contradict the law. In addition, can the provisions proposed in a referendum be changed when 300 thousand representatives of the Nation demand it? ”Said L. Matjošaitytė.

The next elections in Lithuania are municipal elections, which will take place in 2023. However, in the case of referendum initiatives, a referendum could be held earlier. “Usually we connect referenda with elections because it is easier for us and for voters. Although the referendum on the sale of land to foreigners was held separately. And there was a great example of the fact that a referendum On its own, in addition to elections, it has a higher cost to organize, and voter turnout is probably not what the initiative group expected. Although, of course, activism also depends on the importance to society of the issue raised in the referendum. It is very important that society understands why they are expressing their will, “said L. Matjošaitytė.

When asked by the CEC president if there are speeches or organizational plans underway for the second dual citizenship referendum planned by the government, L. Matjošaitytė assured that there are no such languages.