2019 02 19 The Ruling of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Lithuania on Referendum on Dual Citizenship

On 19 February 2019, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Lithuania has adopted the ruling, whereby the referendum on dual citizenship cannot take place in two days. Such a ruling reduces the chances of adopting the necessary constitutional amendment, allowing more people to acquire dual citizenship. 

In order for the referendum on dual citizenship to take place, the majority or about 1.3 millions voters residing in Lithuania must vote therein. 

Most analysts agree that votes would be given for the amendment, allowing more people to acquire dual citizenship, however, a concern arises that it may be considered invalid due to an insufficient number of votes. The Seimas put efforts to increase the chances of success of the referendum on dual citizenship, allowing the voters to vote in two days together with the Presidential Elections in May 2019. After the Ruling of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Lithuania allowing voters to vote only during one day, the chances of successful referendum on dual citizenship have dramatically reduced, as the set requirements are very high. 

The Chairman of the Seimas Viktoras Pranckietis believes that in such a case the referendum on dual citizenship should be held on 12 May 2019, together with the first round of the Presidential Elections.

The Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania will have to adopt a new resolution regarding the procedure for referendum on dual citizenship.

MIGRATION LAW CENTER