‘Impossible for dual citizenship referendum to succeed under current laws’ – Lithuanian diaspora leader

The proposition would need to attract the support of the majority of registered voters in Lithuania to pass not just a majority of the electorate (that is those who turn out to vote in the referendum), making it highly unlikely for the constitutional amendment to pass, said Henke.

“Our long-term experience has shown that the success of the planned referendum under current conditions is unlikely. First, by October 9, 2016, electronic voting will certainly not be introduced in Lithuania. Second, more than half of all registered voters [not just those who turn out to vote] on electoral lists are needed to support the proposition according to the current laws. This provision is too rigid and reduces the possibility of collecting the required number of votes,” said Henke.

The Social Democratic Party is offering to hold a binding referendum on the legalization of dual citizenship in conjunction with the parliamentary elections on October 9.

The World Lithuanian Community opposes binding referendum on dual citizenship until the provision requiring a majority from the total number of citizens eligible to vote is changed to that when the majority from the votes cast would be sufficient for the amendment to be approved.

“Dual citizenship is an issue that is relevant only for some citizens entitled to vote. This issue is important for those who no longer have Lithuanian citizenship and have no right to express their position,” said Henke.