NVB throws out two referendum initiatives

The National Election Committee (NVB) on Thursday rejected two referendum initiatives, one on making the enforcement of two-thirds laws contingent on the approval of voters in a national referendum. The other concerned legalising cannabis consumption.

The NVB unanimously rejected the first initiative submitted by a private individual on the ground that a successful referendum would entail a constitutional amendment, but the rules on holding referendums forbid this.

It was also united in rejecting the Liberal Party‘s other initiative to decriminalise consumption of marijuana, saying “ownership, purchase, production or any abuse of drugs for personal consumption” are criminal activities under international agreements and Hungary would have to break those accords. This would violate domestic laws.

Appeals of NVH rulings can be made to the Supreme Court within 15 days.

Also on Thursday, the NVB approved a report verifying supporting signatures for a voter initiative seeking the recognition of the Szekler people as an ethnic group independent of the Hungarian nation. The initiative was supported by a total of 1,022 people.

In its official opinion on the bid,

the Hungarian Academy of Sciences said the Szekler people could not be considered an independent ethnic group.

The decision on their recognition as an independent ethnic group will be left up to the Hungarian parliament.

Source: MTI