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Ukraine referendum should be binding, say Dutch MPs

November 25, 2015

Voting form with red pencil filling in a black circleA majority of MPs think the results of next year’s referendum on the EU’s treaty with Ukraine should be respected, even if the vote is no, news agency ANP says on Wednesday.

MPs from the ruling Labour party (PvdA), who support the treaty of association, say if the referendum is valid, then it should be binding. However, it will be up to the cabinet to decide whether or not to respect the outcome,’ Labour MP Marit Maij said.

The opposition Christian Democrats, Socialists and anti-EU PVV also say the result should be respected. The CDA, which supports the association treaty and opposes the referendum also believes the outcome should be respected, MP Pieter Omtzigt told broadcaster Nos.

The Netherlands will hold an advisory referendum on the key treaty between the European Union and Ukraine on April 6, 2016.

The campaign to hold a referendum was launched by shock blog Geenstijl, think-tank Forum voor Democratie and the Burgercomite EU association earlier this year. In 2014, the Dutch approved legislation to allow ‘advisory referendums’ on controversial topics, if supporters can gather 300,000 signatures.

At least 30% of the electorate must vote in the referendum for it to be declared valid.

The Dutch parliament has already voted in favour of the treaty.

 

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