Does Singapore's political framework allow for a referendum? If yes, what are the criterias?
Hi,
The Constitution of the Republic of Singapore makes it mandatory to conduct a referendum in only one situation – surrender, transfer or relinquishment of sovereignty by way of merger, incorporation or in any other manner whatsoever.
Article 6 provides that:
(1) There shall be —
(a) no surrender or transfer, either wholly or in part, of the sovereignty of the Republic of Singapore as an independent nation, whether by way of merger or incorporation with any other sovereign state or with any Federation, Confederation, country or territory or in any other manner whatsoever; and
(b) no relinquishment of control over the Singapore Police Force or the Singapore Armed Forces,
unless such surrender, transfer or relinquishment has been supported, at a national referendum, by not less than two-thirds of the total number of votes cast by the electors registered under the Parliamentary Elections Act (Cap 218).
It is of course not guaranteed that a legal challenge invoking Article 6 will succeed. As you might be aware, Singapore got independence by accident - through being kicked out of Malaysia. So, me thinks this Article was inserted in order to make it more difficult for Malaysia to force Singapore to merge again by say cutting off our water and food supplies. However, this is the ONLY provision in our laws that make it COMPULSORY to call a referendum and besides the term "sovereignty" is not defined in the Constitution.
For more, please see my thread in the Political folder @
http://sammyboy.com/showthread.php?...overnment-to-Hold-a-Referendum-on-6-9-million!
What is the position in Germany? Under what circumstances would it be compulsory for the German government to hold a referendum?