Registration of Initiative Group

(1) If the initiative to hold a referendum comes from citizens, an initiative group shall be established, including no less than 20 citizens eligible to vote and residing in the respective administrative-territorial unit. At least 30 citizens should attend the meeting for establishing the initiative group. At least 3 days before the meeting, the initiators shall notify the mayor in writing about the time, venue and purpose of the meeting.

(2) An initiative group is registered by the local public authorities within 5 days following the submission by the group of: a written statement requesting registration, the Protocol of group establishment, and the question(s) subject to referendum. Where a referendum on recalling the mayor is being initiated, the initiative group is to be registered by the sector (district) or municipal Court where the respective locality is located.

(3) The decision confirming registration shall contain the time period for signature collection of between 30 and 60 days, and the questions subject to local referendum.

(4) Upon registration of initiative group, its members shall be issued a special document-card attesting their right to collect signatures according to rules established by the Central Electoral Commission.

(5) Information regarding the registration of initiative group shall be published in the local press.