Thesis (LLM) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research International Law Department

Includes bibliography (sheets 57-62)

ABSTRACT The referendum brings the people together as a collective body to make decisions and express their consent to propositions through direct votes instead of through representatives. The institution makes it possible for citizens themselves to approve or reject policy decisions or make laws directly. The referendum as a mechanism of direct democracy has been characterised by opposing views. Advocates of the device suggest that referendums provide constitutional protections against politicians' undue influence while also returning power to the citizens who originally hold it. Opponents argue that the device is manipulated by the elite to the disadvantage of citizens. The primary objective of a referendum is to involve and engage the citizens by seeking their opinion. The only ideal way to make political decisions according to the wishes of the people is to ensure they are expressed directly and the referendum turns out to be the model institution for the full realization of this democratic principle. This study examined the role of the referendum in the Ghanaian political setting through a review of previous academic research on the referendum and on Ghana. Examples on the use of the device as a democratic tool were taken from other countries and compared to Ghana. The study showed that outcomes of referendums that were marked by extensive engagement and participation were endorsed by the people while referendums that were plebiscitary in nature and orchestrated by autocratic leaders with the objective to remain in power, were not welcomed by the people. The people protested against referendums with plebiscitary element and endorsed referendums that were marked by extensive engagement and participation.