Referendum as a party tool: The case of Slovakia

Since its emergence in 1993 Slovakia implemented mechanisms of direct democracy in its political system. Although the constitution allows both citizens and political parties to call for a referendum, the latter actor got the upper hand in this process. Out of eight national referendums held so far, only few were initiated by other subjects than the parties. This paper focuses on the way how Slovak political parties use referendums as a tool for their own interests. It shows that two different approaches of the parties may be distinguished. First, parties use referendums as a way how to mobilize their own supporters for the upcoming national elections and in this case the topic of the referendum is only of secondary importance to them. Second, parties initiate referendums in order to harm their opponents in the government or in opposition. The case of Slovakia shows that political parties use referendum tactically as either a supportive or an alternative power arena next to elections.