Article 16 Power to provide for a referendum

After section 62, insert—

“Power to provide for a referendum

62A

(1)

A law enacted by the Legislature may make provision to hold a referendum amongst persons registered as electors in accordance with section 55 on a matter or matters of national importance.

(2)

The question of whether the Turks and Caicos Islands should seek any amendment to this Constitution that may result in their independence shall be deemed to be a matter of national importance.

(3)

A referendum may not be held where one or more of the options or proposals on which electors are asked to vote would, if implemented, contravene any provision of Part I of this Constitution.

(4)

A law enacted by the Legislature authorising a referendum in accordance with subsection (1) shall specify—

(a)

whether its validity requires a specified minimum turnout of persons registered as electors in accordance with section 55; and

(b)

the proportion of votes that must be cast in favour of an option or proposal in order for it to be deemed as having been approved.

(5)

In any case the result of any referendum under this section shall not be binding.”.