Almost 1.8 million Bucharest residents are called to vote in the local referendum this Sunday

Almost 1.8 million Bucharest residents are expected to participate in a local referendum on Sunday, November 24, which coincides with the first round of the presidential elections in Romania. The referendum was initiated by the general mayor Nicușor Dan and focuses on the way in which the Capital’s budget is divided between the general and district mayor’s offices, the way in which building permits are issued and the programs to prevent drug use in schools.

According to the data of the Permanent Electoral Authority (AEP) cited by News.rothere are approximately 1,787,590 voters in Bucharest, including those who will turn 18 on November 24, and 1,289 polling stations.

Only Romanian citizens residing in Bucharest can vote in the referendum, including those who have recently obtained temporary residence. Voters will use the same polling stations as the presidential election, open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Participants can vote in the presidential election, the referendum, or both. Voters who opt for both will receive four ballots – one for the presidential vote and three for the referendum questions.

For the referendum to be valid, a minimum turnout of 30% is required, with at least 25% of the votes cast being valid. The results are expected to be finalized and announced by the Central Electoral Office by November 28.

The referendum is seen as essential for shaping the governance and future development of the Romanian capital. The three questions are:

– Should the General Council of the Municipality of Bucharest approve the distribution of taxes and local revenues between municipal and sector administrations?

– Should the mayor general be given the authority to issue building permits throughout the city?

– Should City Hall fund and implement drug prevention and health education programs in schools?

Combined, the first two questions strengthen the position of the general mayor of Bucharest in relation to the districts. The third was added by the PSD councilors, but Mayor Nicușor Dan said that he welcomes a more active role of Bucharest City Hall in the fight against drugs.

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(Photo source: Inquam Photos/Alexanru Busca)