The Question on the Referendum Ballot!

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has announced that a referendum will be held on the same day as the upcoming national parliamentary elections.

In a speech to the nation on Thursday (November 13), Dr. Yunus stated, “The referendum, like the national election, will be held in the first half of February. This will ensure that the goal of reform is not hindered, and the election will be more festive and cost-effective. Necessary laws will be enacted at the appropriate time to facilitate the referendum.”

He further mentioned that the question to be presented in the referendum ballot has already been determined, in line with the July Accord. The question will be:

“Do you express your consent to the July National Accord (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order 2025 and the following proposed constitutional reforms outlined in the July National Accord?”

The four main proposals to be included in the referendum are:

Caretaker Government and Constitutional Bodies: The formation of a caretaker government, Election Commission, and other constitutional bodies during the election period, as outlined in the July Accord.

Bicameral Parliament: The creation of a bicameral parliament, where a 100-member upper house will be formed based on the proportion of votes each party receives in the national election. Amendments to the constitution will require approval from the majority in the upper house.

Political and Electoral Reforms: Implementation of 30 proposals agreed upon by political parties in the July Accord, which include increasing female representation in parliament, electing the Deputy Speaker and committee chairs from the opposition, limiting the Prime Minister’s tenure, expanding the President’s powers, enhancing fundamental rights, ensuring judicial independence, and strengthening local government.

Other Reforms: The implementation of other reforms as pledged by political parties in the July Accord.

Voters will cast a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ vote on these four issues during the referendum. If the majority votes ‘Yes,’ a constitutional reform council will be formed with representatives elected in the national election. These representatives will also serve as members of the National Parliament.

Dr. Yunus also stated that the reform council will begin its work within 180 working days from the start of its first session and will complete the constitutional reforms. After the reforms are completed, within 30 working days, the upper house will be formed based on the proportion of votes received in the national elections. The tenure of the upper house will last until the last working day of the lower house.

Furthermore, Dr. Yunus mentioned that the inclusion of the July National Accord in the constitution will be implemented according to the commitment made in the Accord. This will be reflected in the order approved on November 13.