Referendum on changing constitution might be held together with Oct. 31 local elections

Unless certain safeguards are introduced, this referendum can be used by the regime for manipulations, Palij told ZIK July 7.

«Questions put to a referendum must be answered simply – yes or no. If the wording of the questions is complex, i.e. «Are you for or against the law which strengthens, expands, etc.» you can get any answer. And this is where the tool for manipulations – so actively implemented by the Party of Regions – is hidden», says Palij.

Such a referendum can be used to cancel the constitutional reform, the expert says.

It would make sense to adopt a provision that, if a regime-initiated referendum fails, the regime must resign. Let me remind that in France Gen. De Gaulle resigned when his referendum on changing the constitution drew a blank, Palij added.