"A local referendum is a real mechanism to force local authorities to listen to the needs of communities. Before we start writing the text of the bill, we must clearly outline its concept. That is why, together with the members of the Working Group on Drafting Laws on Democracy, we are trying to specifically identify the subject and types of local referendums, the entities that can initiate them, the number of issues and the legal consequences of the referendum. We need to work out such a mechanism of local referendums to avoid any abuses," said the First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine.
The most controversial issues were the subject of local referendums. The discussion of issues that may or may not be put to a referendum, as well as their number, lasted more than an hour.
"We have previously decided on the formula: one referendum - one issue. However, if we manage to develop a clear and non-conflict mechanism, we do not rule out the possibility of putting more than one issue to a referendum. But, given the practice of considering several issues in a referendum, problems may arise more than the effect," Ruslan Stefanchuk stressed.
The members of the Working Group tried to find a compromise on the legal consequences of holding local referendums, the expediency of using consultative local referendums.
Previously, the working group determined that a local referendum could be initiated at the request of at least 10% of the total number of voters permanently residing in the community, or local governments (council and chairperson).
"Based on the results of two hours of discussions, we came to the conclusion that before the next meeting of the Working Group it is necessary to determine the subject of the local referendum and issues that cannot be put to a local referendum. The issue of financing local referendums will also be the subject of further discussions,” Ruslan Stefanchuk summed up.