The government has issued a referendum ordinance to implement the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform).
The Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the law ministry published the gazette on Tuesday night.
The referendum will be held on the same day as the 13th national election in early February to determine public approval for implementing the July Charter.
According to the ordinance, the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order, 2025 has been framed to seek public consent on specific constitutional reform proposals arising from the July Charter, adopted following the mass uprising on July 24.
It says the president issued the Referendum Ordinance, 2025 under Article 93(1) of the Constitution, as parliament stands dissolved and immediate action was required. The ordinance comes into effect immediately.
Referendum question
Clause 3 states that voters will be asked: “Do you express your consent to the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order, 2025, and the following proposals regarding constitutional reform recorded in the July National Charter?” (Yes/No)
The ordinance notes that the caretaker government, the Election Commission, and other constitutional bodies during the election period will follow processes outlined in the July Charter.
It proposes a bicameral parliament, with a 100-member upper house formed based on the proportion of votes received by parties in the national polls. Any constitutional amendment would require approval from a majority of upper-house members.
Political parties forming the next government will be required to implement 30 issues listed in the schedule, including reforms relating to the presidency, fundamental rights, judicial independence, local government, the prime minister’s tenure, and presidential powers. Other reforms will be carried out according to party commitments.
Polling arrangements
Polling centres: All polling stations designated for the 13th national election will be used for the referendum (Clause 4).
Returning officers: All returning and assistant returning officers appointed for the national election will serve in the same capacities for the referendum (Clause 5).
Presiding officers: Presiding, assistant presiding, and polling officers already appointed for the general election will conduct the referendum simultaneously (Clause 6). The clause details responsibilities, delegation of duties, and provisions for suspension in case of misconduct or disruption.
Voter list: The electoral roll for the national election will be used for the referendum (Clause 7).
Polling time: Referendum polling hours will match those of the national election (Clause 8).
Polling disruption and re-polling
Clause 9 empowers presiding officers to suspend or close polling if disrupted. The Election Commission may order re-polling if necessary.
Ballots and ballot boxes
Clause 10 states that the referendum will be conducted by secret ballot using a ballot paper of a different colour from that of the national election. The Election Commission may allow the same ballot boxes used in the general election to be used for the referendum.
