Direct democracy · binding question
Referendums
Referendums are instruments of popular sovereignty with their own rules on initiation, public information, campaigning, oversight, counting and certification. An ordinary referendum and the founding constitutional referendum do not automatically share the same thresholds.
Pre-Foundation · constitutional order not yet promulgatedNo Candeia referendum is under way.Project constitutional proposal · Portuguese reference text
In brief
A referendum is not a poll. When binding, it requires a legally defined question, eligible electorate, approval rule known before the vote, audit and formal certification.
How the Constitution structures this subject
Majority of valid votes
Unless a specific qualified rule applies, the option with a majority of valid votes regularly cast prevails.
No ordinary minimum turnout
The ordinary regime avoids turning a boycott into an indirect legal veto.
Same electoral standard
Secrecy, freedom, verifiability, audit, contingency and certification also apply to referendums.
Exceptional rule in the Transitional Provisions
The original constituent referendum follows exclusively the transitional thresholds and safeguards in the Transitional Provisions, not the ordinary regime.
How it works
Publish the question, text, legal basis and approval rule.
Ensure public information and campaigning under neutral conditions.
Apply secrecy, verifiability, contingency and audit.
Reconcile evidence and formalise the result through the competent authority.
Limits and safeguards
- A referendum may not be used to bypass the National Assembly or anticipate constituent power outside constitutional rules.
- The approval rule may not be changed after the participation rate or foreseeable result is known.
- Approval of the Foundation referendum alone does not create a State in force before the other requirements and promulgation.