The referendum is a mechanism belonging to the democratic political model where the members of a population are allowed to reject or accept a governmental measure, where it is submitted to a vote against the opinion of the people, giving them the opportunity to participate without the need for the presence of a legal representative.
However, it is important to note that the results of a referendum on many occasions have not been carried out immediately or that the measure chosen is mandatory; This type is known as a “ consultative ” referendum because it simply wants to appreciate the opinion of the inhabitants of a nation with respect to a political measure that generates controversy among them, the final decision itself will be proposed by the Legislative branch of each nation, the referendum where the decision of the members of the nation must be respected is known as a “ binding ” referendum.
Another classification for the referendum is the best known described as "recall referendum" (revocation of command), this civil process is applied against any person who has a command position in the governmental system (presidents, governors and mayors), as well as as those that were chosen by means of popular election (congressmen, deputies and councilmen); In other words, it is a right that a democratic people has to prevent government bodies from remaining in command when they do not meet the expectations of the people.
In turn, there are other variants of a referendum:
- Mandatory referendum: in which the parliamentary entity (or assembly) gives its approval to submit an object to a referendum, either: agent, laws, etc., the result of which will be chosen by popular vote and must be respected.
- Optional referendum: this is applied most of all in Switzerland, especially when a new law is published or a law that is under review, the people will vote whether it should be approved or not.
First, for it to be approved to develop a referendum process, proof is needed that the people want to do it, the most reliable proof is the collection of signatures, the necessary number will be stipulated by the government entity in charge.
