The proposed referendum questions suggested by the largest opposition Smer-SD party, which aim to initiate an early election are formulated in such a manner that they breach the law, President Zuzana Čaputová stated.
The first question concerns whether the citizens want to change the Constitution so that a referendum can shorten the electoral term. In the second question, they wanted to ask whether, if the result in the first question was valid, they wished to call an early election against a particular parliament.
"The questions are formulated in such a way that if the first question turns out well, then the second question applies. I cannot imagine a bigger example of mutual conditionality than this one," said Čaputová, referring to the law on the conditions for exercising the right to vote, which precludes such a formulation of referendum questions.
President emphasised that she would call a referendum with any question if it is in accordance with the Slovak Constitution.
The head of state added that if she had received a petition only with the first question, she would have called the referendum. After a possible change in the Constitution, she would have no problem with the second question. However, she recommends that the organisers consult with constitutional lawyers when preparing any petition leading to a referendum. "There are great expectations from the public, pressure on the president, ultimatums are given, which is completely absurd," she said.
