2nd hurdle for binding corrective referendum cleared
On 10 October 2023, a crucial step was taken towards the implementation of a binding corrective referendum. The Senate agreed to a bill proposed by the SP (Socialist Party). Nevertheless, this does not yet mean the referendum will definitely be introduced. As it concerns a constitutional amendment, a second round of voting is required, needing a two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Supporters and opponents of the corrective binding referendum
A binding corrective referendum offers Dutch citizens the opportunity to pass judgement on a law that has been adopted by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, but has not yet entered into force. Supporters believe this gives citizens more say and increases trust in politics. Opponents, on the other hand, believe that representative democracy is adequately safeguarded through regular elections and elected representatives.
SP’s bill has strong support in the Senate
The SP’s bill has considerable support in the Senate, with parties such as GroenLinks-PvdA, Party for the Animals, PVV, JA21, FVD and even D66 expressing their support. The BBB, the largest party in the Senate with 16 seats, was initially hesitant but announced last week that it is, in principle, in favour of the new law. Before the binding corrective referendum becomes possible, a new House of Representatives must first be elected, which will happen soon through the early elections on 22 November. No change is needed for the Senate.
Turnout and outcome thresholds
However, disagreement remains over the issue of turnout thresholds and outcome thresholds. Some parties proposed that a majority based on the turnout at the last House of Representatives election could overturn the decision, but this proposal was rejected. The SP is aiming to have the referendum adopted first, while the threshold issue is settled later through implementing legislation.
My Vote Counts is going for a fully binding citizens’ referendum
My Vote Counts! The Citizens’ Initiative’s view
Although My Vote Counts! The Citizens’ Initiative can only welcome more direct democracy, the introduction of a binding corrective referendum in this form is not sufficient for My Vote Counts. My Vote Counts! The Citizens’ Initiative is going for a fully binding citizens’ referendum. We want to return full power in the political decision-making process to the citizens, where it belongs. So no corrective binding referendum! We don’t want to set turnout and outcome thresholds. We are going for 100% direct democracy. Every outcome is valid, but with a low turnout, a rebound vote could be possible to reach a valid final result. The system we envision is self-regulating and self-learning, in which people have the right to vote. It is, of course, not an obligation! We are trying to introduce a system of binding citizens’ referendums through the current political system.
My Vote Counts’ positions
You can find our positions here. My Vote Counts! The Citizens’ Initiative will fully dissolve itself once the binding citizens’ referendum becomes a reality. At that point, our positions will also lapse. Ultimately, it is up to the citizens which proposals they wish to put before the entire population in a binding referendum.
