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A referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal. It is a form of direct democracy used to allow citizens to approve or reject laws, constitutional amendments, or other government decisions. Referendums can be initiated by governments, political parties, or through citizen-led petitions, depending on the country’s legal framework.

The process typically involves a question or set of questions presented to voters, who cast their ballots in a designated election. Results are determined by majority vote, though some systems may require supermajorities for approval. Referendums are commonly used in federal or decentralized governments to address issues such as constitutional changes, territorial disputes, or major policy shifts.

Referendums differ from elections in that they focus on specific issues rather than selecting representatives. They can be binding, meaning the outcome must be implemented, or advisory, where the result informs but does not mandate action. Some countries, such as Switzerland, frequently use referendums as a key part of their democratic process, while others employ them less often for major constitutional or legal changes.

The effectiveness of a referendum depends on factors like voter turnout, clarity of the question, and public awareness of the issue. Critics argue that referendums can be manipulated by political campaigns or misinformation, while supporters view them as a way to increase civic engagement and ensure policies reflect public opinion. Different nations have varying rules on who can propose a referendum, the threshold for inclusion on the ballot, and how results are interpreted.