Latvia's president proposes changing referendum requirements

As reported by LETA, the President has called on the Saeima to amend the law on referendums, legislative initiatives, and European citizens’ initiatives. His proposal includes reducing the number of signatures needed to initiate a referendum on a legislative proposal from 10% to 5%, while suggesting that the state take on a greater role in reaching the 10% threshold. Only then can the proposal be submitted for a national vote. Under current law, the initiative group must submit a fully drafted bill to the Central Election Commission (CEC). If deemed compliant with legal standards, signature collection begins. Within one year, at least 10% of voters must sign, either in person (e.g., with a notary) or electronically. However, no initiative has ever reached this threshold. The President’s proposal suggests reducing the initial threshold to 5% of voters – or one-twentieth– who participated in the most recent parliamentary election. Signature collection would take place in two phases.
Read the full article here: Baltic News Network