Difference Between Election and Referendum

Election vs Referendum

Election and referendum are different parts of governance. A referendum can be called a plebiscite or ballot question in which the electorate is given the choice of accepting or rejecting a certain proposal. Amendments to the Constitution, adopting a new Constitution, recalling elected persons, and more like this are examples of a referendum. Referendums can be called direct democracy where the society has a direct role in the particular proposals.

An election is a process by which the electorate choose the persons to govern them. It is a process by which the offices in the legislature are filled. Elections are also held in many organizations and also in many associations.

Elections are mandatory in a democratic system of government. After a specific period of being in office, elections have to be conducted regularly. On the other hand, a referendum can be both mandatory and facultative. In some countries, referendums are mandatory when adopting certain laws or making amendments to the Constitution or impeaching heads of state. In some countries like France, Spain, Greece, or Romania, there are referendums that are facultative. A facultative referendum is that which could be either be initiated by the head of the government or at the citizen’s will.

When elections are binding, referendums can be binding and non-binding. In the case of binding referendums, they are put forth by the authorities even if they are not interested in bringing up such proposals. A non-binding referendum can be said to be merely advisory or consultative. In some referendums, only a simple majority is needed. However, in some other referendums, a two-thirds majority or a super majority is needed for passing the referendum.

When talking about elections, there are several types of elections such as; general elections, presidential elections, local elections, and by-elections.

Summary:

1.A referendum can be called a plebiscite or ballot question in which the electorate is given the choice of accepting or rejecting a certain proposal.
2.An election is a process by which the electorate choose the persons to govern them. It is a process by which the offices in the legislature are filled.
3.Elections are mandatory in a democratic system of government. On the other hand, referendums can be both mandatory and facultative.
4.When elections are binding, referendums can be binding and non-binding.
5.Referendums can be called direct democracy where the society has a direct role in the particular proposals.

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