Definition of
Plebiscite
From Latin plebiscituma plebiscite is a decision made by a town from the plurality of votes. It is a consultation carried out by the public powers so that citizens can express themselves by direct popular vote regarding a particular proposal.
The plebiscite is an election that is born by proposal of the constitutional representatives. It is usually created from the formula “yes or no”where voters must answer the question posed by an electoral body.
- Example of a plebiscite
- Binding or consultative process
- Differences between plebiscite and referendum
- How to start the process
- Related Topics Tree
Example of a plebiscite
For example: a mining company offers millions of dollars to a small town to develop new mines. Although money can be very useful for the economy community, the residents are aware of the environmental risks of the proposal. The authorities, therefore, decide to hold a plebiscite so that the people can express themselves and decide on the convenience, or not, of mining exploitation.
The plebiscite, therefore, is a mechanism of semi-direct democracy. Currently, it is often used to complement the regimen of the representative democracy. The leaders elected by the societyIn this case, they require public consultation to decide on a certain matter that they consider sensitive for social life.
It can help you: Popular consultation
Binding or consultative process
It is important to note that referendums can be binding (the result of the vote yields a mandatory measure) or advisory (The result is only valid as a consultation method for the leaders who will make the decision on the matter).
In the case of our example, if the plebiscite ends with the “No” as a winner, there are two possibilities: if the consultation were binding, mining would not take place at all. On the other hand, if the consultation were consultative, the political power would still have the possibility of approving the exploitation.
See also: Voting
Differences between plebiscite and referendum
Although the plebiscite and the referendum are two of the most significant tools for citizen participation, there are certain differences between them that are often overlooked, given the indiscriminate use of both terms in everyday speech.
The plebiscite is used by the head of government to submit for the consideration of the people actions or decisions that are very important for life in the city, before their execution. The referendum allows the people to cast their vote to approve or reject the conception, modification or repeal of a law.
In both cases, you can make your request:
* 0.4 percent of the citizens registered in the nominal list of voters;
* the equivalent of 10 percent of the Citizen Committees,
* A minimum of 8 of the Delegational Citizen Councils.
To request a referendum, on the other hand, a deputy (at least) to the Legislative Assembly can also apply.
In other words, the referendum serves to give the people the possibility of approving or rejecting a law, while the plebiscite gives rise to public opinion on administrative issues that directly affect them, such as the construction of a bridge.
Follow on: Nominal
How to start the process
Any group of people registered in the electoral roll can request any of these two measures by presenting a detailed petition, stating the act or law that they wish to submit to consultation, as well as the reasons for the requirement of said right, all signed with basic personal information for identification of citizens.
From then on, each case requires a different procedure:
* the request for a plebiscite can be approved or rejected by the head of government within the first 60 calendar days;
* The referendum becomes effective if the Legislative Assembly approves it and issues its call 30 days before its execution.
See also: Application for employment