Romania’s Presidential Elections-Referendum Combo May Raise Organization Costs – Min

Nica said the government approved a budget of 152 million lei (EUR1=RON4.2046) for the organization of presidential elections. He also said additional costs for a referendum on the same day have not been assessed yet, as authorities have to decide whether polling stations will be the same for the referendum and presidential elections or separate polling stations would be set up.

Romanian President Traian Basescu on Thursday called for a national referendum on downsizing the country’s Parliament to a maximum 300 lawmakers from the current 471 and on the switch to a single-chamber Parliament.

The president said the referendum should be held on November 22, at the same time with the first round of presidential elections, to keep organizational costs to a minimum.