III. Part I - General provisions

In order to be in line with international standards, reimbursement of expenses for the promoters of referendums or initiatives must respect the principles of transparency and of equal opportunity. This entails a neutral approach by the administrative authorities responsible for the funding,^[1] which is best fulfilled if the criteria for reimbursement are laid down in the law.^[2] In addition, it must be made clear that remuneration only be granted to those who actually collect signatures, and not to voters who sign a request for a referendum or a citizens’ bill. With respect to the rule of law, both the amount allocated in total and the amount paid to each person collecting signatures should be regulated.^[3]

[1] See also Code of Good Practice, I.2.

[2] See also Code of Good Practice, II.2.

[3]Code of Good Practice, Explanatory Memorandum, paragraph 38.