Articles

De vraagstelling bij een referendum

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Abstract

Phrasing the question is one of the most delicate points of a referendum.  A first problem is to choose the most important alternatives. Several procedures to select these alternatives and to avoid some kinds of manipulation, exist. There are a lot of arguments for the voting on principles, but also a lot against.
The Swiss criterion for «unity of matter» (to avoid two items in one question) is not workable; a new criterion is proposed.  The danger of suggestivity (caused by loaded words, by arguments in the question, or by a failure of communication) is real. Rules to prevent these dangers are discussed. Finally, some remarks are made on the problem «who decides on the question ?». A neutral commission is wishful.

How to Cite:

De Geest, G., (1986) “De vraagstelling bij een referendum”, Res Publica 28(1), 3-21. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/rp.v28i1.19189