The Venice Commission has repeatedly stressed that “transparency, openness and inclusiveness, adequate timeframe and conditions allowing pluralism of views and proper debate of controversial issues, are key requirements of a democratic Constitution-making process”. The adoption of a new and good Constitution should be based on the widest consensus possible within society and […] “a wide and substantive debate involving the various political forces, non-government organisations and citizens associations, the academia and the media is an important prerequisite for adopting a sustainable text, acceptable for the whole of the society and in line with democratic standards. Too rigid time constraints should be avoided and the calendar of the adoption of the new Constitution should follow the progress made in its debate.” Open and free public discussions should take place “in an atmosphere favouring such discussions”. “Moreover, if and when a popular referendum is held, it is of great importance that this is done properly, in a way which ensures clarity and transparence, and which presents the electorate with clear and precise alternatives.”