Advisory Referendum Act in force

As from 1 July 2015, persons eligible to cast a vote may request for a referendum to be held on newly adopted Acts and Treaties. This referendum allows voters to vote in favour of or against an Act or the ratification of a Treaty. Its results are not binding, however. The first referendum can at the earliest be held in some six months.

Image: ©Teun Berserik

A referendum may relate to any Act that has been adopted and ratified, but has not yet entered into force. All Acts qualify for a referendum, barring a few exceptions. For instance, no referendum may be held on Acts pertaining to the Constitution, the budget or the Royal House. A referendum may also be held on a Treaty.