Supporters of a four-year term say it would give governments more time to make better policy. But without deeper changes, it may only increase political uncertainty.
Articles on Referendums
Displaying 1 - 20 of 42 articles
The Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill will likely die after it goes to select committee – or will it? A possible referendum on the issue would raise the stakes considerably.
The Conservatives campaigned against changing the voting system in 2011, but it could have saved them from a potential wipeout at this election.
It turns out that handing over taxpayer dollars to billionaire owners tends to be far less popular among regular citizens than among well-connected government officials.
Governor-general designate Sam Mostyn would become the latest punching bag in the culture wars. But how will her Governor-Generalship compare to others past?
Leo Varadkar has been criticised for expecting the public to vote in favour of adding vague language to the constitution.
Endorsements from celebrities and businesses can be the kiss of death in a referendum campaign – as can failing to negotiate a cross-party consensus.
The decision of the people of Ecuador to halt oil extraction in the Yasuní is a trend-setting precedent of global importance and a victory that Canadians should build upon.
It is notoriously difficult for referendums to succeed in Australia – but there are lessons from those that have gone before about how to improve their chances.
While most repeat referendums fail, it is possible to succeed if the referendum proposal is altered or untethered from an unpopular element.
Elections to install pro-Moscow puppets in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine should not be taken seriously. Here’s why.
History shows the “yes” vote tends to drop off as referendum day nears, and the government will need to maintain its strong polling lead for the vote to succeed.
Despite hopes of a second referendum on independence being dashed, many Scottish nationalists look to Slovakia as an example of how a small nation can stand on its own.
The Yes/No case has long been flawed and the government is right to dispense with it. But it will need to replace it with something else to counter misinformation – and do so with great care.
It is hard to say how big an influence the Nationals’ stance may have – but history shows us the Yes case in referendums is easily defeated.
The Kremlin claims 97% of votes counted are for the four occupied regions to join the Russian Federation.
Referendums and citizens initiatives can be a popular way to push politicians to listen to the people – they can also be an exercise in propaganda.
The latest Newspoll show Albanese’s net approval ratings are the highest for a prime minister since early in Malcolm Turnbull’s tenure.
Referenda may well have a place in the country’s democracy, but if the form of an electoral system can be referred to a referendum, why not capital punishment, abortion or LGBT rights?
Of 44 referendums put to the Australian people since federation, only eight have passed – but those championing a First Nations Voice to Parliament need not be deterred.
Top contributors
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Professor Emerita in Constitutional Law, University of Sydney
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Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra
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Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne
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Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham
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Professor of Law, University of Waikato
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Professor of Sociology, University of the Witwatersrand
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Professor of International Security, Jean Monnet Professor of European Security, National University Odesa Law Academy
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Ingénieure de recherche, Université de Bourgogne, Auteurs historiques The Conversation France
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Lecturer in Philosophy, University of St Andrews
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Lecturer in Law and Social Justice, University of Liverpool
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Emeritus Fellow of Sidney Sussex College, University of Cambridge
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Professor of World Politics, SOAS, University of London
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Professor of Law and Government, Durham University, Durham University
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Senior Lecturer in Politics, University of Liverpool
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Assistant Professor in Law, Maynooth University