对“全民公投”的再思考

Reflections on the Abuse of Referendum

近年,"全民公投"常常与"民族自决"、"民主政治"等原则相挂钩,成为解决地区冲突、民族矛盾的"常规手段"。实际上,公投的作用被夸大,其弊端与风险却没有得到足够的重视。公投从来都不是解决复杂问题的最好方案,却往往沦为大国博弈或政党斗争的工具。民主不能无度,公投不可轻启,即使举行公投,也应通过国内立法、安理会介入等方式对公投进行必要的限制。

In recent years, referendum is used frequently in many parts of the world. Referendums have been linked to principles such as ＂self - determination＂ and ＂democracy＂, and have been regarded as ＂conventional measures＂ for regional or ethnic conflicts. In fact, benefits of referendum have been exagger- ated and the disadvantage and risk of it has been to a large extent ignored. The author argues that referen- dum is not a viable solution for highly complex issues, especially when it is increasingly used as a political tool by great powers or interest groups. It is irresponsible and dangerous to trigger a referendum without preconditions. Democracy, once it is abused, may turn into tyranny of the majority. A Referendum should be held with restrictions, for example, under domestic law or UNSC supervision.