Holding a referendum on Election Day increases the odds that it will produce a binding result. A specific turnout level is required for this, according to government spokesman Piotr Müller on Friday.
On Thursday, the Sejm approved a resolution to hold a nationwide referendum on October 15, the same day as parliamentary elections.
Demolish the dam?
When asked on Polsat News whether the government would, if voters so decide, demolish the border barrier or raise the retirement age, Müller gave a direct response.
In a binding referendum, decisions are not discretionary and must be implemented. Müller stressed that this referendum is primarily about security. He said that the Polish people are reasonable and understand that the choices made by the government are correct.
He added that the outcome of the referendum would be valid only if more than half of eligible voters participate.
The only way to secure a binding result is to hold the referendum on Election Day. Other referenda, aside from the one related to the European Union, did not achieve such turnout, according to the spokesman.
Referendum questions
The referendum will pose four questions. The first asks whether there is support for selling state assets to foreign entities and whether this would lead to Polish citizens losing control over key sectors of the economy.
Second, the referendum asks whether there is support for raising the retirement age, including a restoration of the age limit to 67 for both men and women.
Third, it questions support for removing the barrier on the border between Poland and Belarus.
Fourth, it asks whether there is support for accepting thousands of illegal migrants from the Middle East and Africa under a relocation mechanism implemented by European authorities.
Gah/PAP
Source: wPolityce [citation]