Referendum Policy and Referendum Organisation

From eRepublik Official Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search

Introduction

Referendum Policy and Referendum Organisation is a bill proposed in Ireland to act as a framework for referendums. It was written and proposed by congressman Starks Hayter in late March 2009. It has not been used as of yet.

Statement

I propose to the Dáil that a policy be made that facilitates referendums for bigger issues of eIreland, and those that affect the citizens of eIreland in a tangible way. We saw a referendum being proposed over our membership of the ESA, which was never seriously considered by some because of how it was gone about. I believe that in that case, a referendum should have been proposed from the beginning. This bill, if passed, will keep the option of a referendum open should the majority of congressmen feel the need for it.

First Draft

Bill: Referendum Policy and Referendum Committee

I) Policy

(i) A congressman can move to hold a referendum if he/she feels that one is needed.

(ii) Congressman voting for the referendum should be of the opinion that citizens should have their say on a particular issue.

(iii) Issues should be of significance for citizens if a referendum is to be held.

(iv) All relevant information should be presented to the citizens regarding the issue to be voted on.

(v) All referendums should have only the options 'Yes' and 'No'.

II) Proposing a Referendum

(i) The process begins when a congressman moves to hold a referendum on a proposition before it has been put to a vote.

(ii) A vote is then held between congressmen. A majority of 50% +1 is needed. If this is met, a referendum is to be held.

III) Referendum Committee

(i) A referendum is to be overseen by a committee of four members.

(ii. a) A congressman is one member. He/she oversees the other members and is responsible for procuring necessary information to be given to citizens.

(ii. b) Congressmen are chosen by application. If there are multiple applicants, the member should be chosen by brief discussion.

(iii. a) The remaining three members are non-congressmen. The are responsible for giving all information relevant to the issue to the citizens prior to the referendum.

(iii. b) These are also chosen by application. They should be active on the forums, preferably of high level and at least one should own a newspaper he/she is willing to post articles regarding the referendum on.

IV) Holding a Referendum

(i) Voting lasts 24 hours.

(ii) A voting thread is created of the Public Dáil Forum.

(iii) Voters apply in this format:

Name
(Yes/No)
Link to eRepublik profile

(iv) All voters must be eIrish citizens.

(v) All members of government may vote.

(vi) Only citizens over level 6 may vote.



Final Draft

Bill: Referendum Policy and Referendum Organisation 2nd Draft

I) Policy

(i) A congressman can move to hold a referendum if he/she feels that one is needed (see appendix).

(ii) Congressman voting for the referendum should be of the opinion that citizens should have their say on a particular issue.

(iii) Issues should be of significance for citizens if a referendum is to be held.

(iv) All relevant information should be presented to the citizens regarding the issue to be voted on.

(v) All referendums should have only the options 'Yes' and 'No'.

II) Proposing a Referendum

(i) The process begins when a congressman moves to hold a referendum on a proposition before it has been put to a vote.

(ii) A vote is then held between congressmen. A majority of 66% of active congressmen is needed. If this is met, a referendum is to be held.

III) Referendum Organisation

(i) A Referendum Organisation is to be set up when the first referendum has been proposed.

(ii) The Referendum Org will be used to facilitate registration of voters (see part IV) and receiving votes.

(iii) Volunteers are given access to the Organisation as needed.

(iv) The Referendum Organisation shall have its own newspaper. This will be to inform citizens of the referendum and to give them the information they need to make an informed decision. It will also announce the results of the referendum.

IV) Holding a Referendum

(i) Voting lasts 24 hours.

(ii) All voters must register with the Referendum Organisation one week before a referendum.

(iii) Votes are sent to the Referendum Organisation in this format:

Name
(Yes/No)
Link to eRepublik profile

(iv) All voters must have been eIrish citizens for at least one month.

(v) Voters must be level 6 or above.

(vi) All members of governments may vote.

(vii) Votes sent by other organisations are discounted.

V) Appendix

Issues that could need a referendum are, but are not limited to:

  • Joining an alliance.
  • Moving to war with other countries.
  • Changing the Constitution if and when the Constitution becomes an official document of eIreland.
  • Creating MPPs with other countries.
  • Aiding other countries by donation or sending soldiers to fight in conflicts.


Result

The bill was put to a vote. It became law by 12 votes to 4, a full 75% voting in favour.