What Campaigning Rules Apply Before the Referendum
Campaigning is permitted from 12 February to 13 March – both 'For' and 'Against' on equal terms. 14 March is a day of silence: no campaigning. 15 March is polling day. Prohibited: vote-buying, coercion, abuse of official position. These rules apply online as well.
Campaigning period
| Period | What is allowed |
|---|---|
| 12 February – 13 March | Campaigning permitted: 'For', 'Against', calls to vote |
| 14 March (day of silence) | Campaigning prohibited – a day for quiet reflection |
| 15 March (polling day) | Campaigning prohibited |
Who may campaign
- Citizens – personally and through the media
- Political parties
- Public organisations
- Initiative groups
Who may not: foreign nationals, members of electoral commissions, civil servants in the performance of their duties, military personnel, religious organisations.
What is permitted
- Public events, rallies, debates
- Printed materials – leaflets, posters
- Campaigning in the media and online
- Positions 'For' and 'Against' are on completely equal terms
What is prohibited
- Vote-buying
- Threats and coercion
- Abuse of official position
- Distribution of knowingly false information
- Campaigning on the day of silence and on polling day
A violation is an administrative offence carrying specific penalties.
The day of silence – why it exists
14 March is the day when you make your decision without pressure. No campaigning: not in the media, not on social networks, not on the street. This is standard international practice.
Key facts
- Campaigning: 12 February – 13 March; 'For' and 'Against' on equal terms
- Day of silence: 14 March – campaigning prohibited
- Prohibited: vote-buying, coercion, abuse of official position
- The rules apply online – violations are punishable
Basis for this explainer
Constitutional provisions and primary sources supporting this explanation.
Constitutional provisions
Primary sources
Open sources the editorial team used to verify this explainer. Checked 16 July 2026.
Related articles
Quick links to the constitutional articles behind this explainer.