Independence referendum

Negotiations for the terms of an independence referendum may take place between the nationalists and the government which exercises sovereignty over the territory.

If terms can be agreed, then the independence referendum can be held with its result binding, and respected by the international community.

For these instances, common electoral practice is often widely used, although there can be deviations, as seen with the lowering of the voting age for the 2014 Scottish independence referendum.

For example, nationalists planned to hold a referendum in Catalonia in 2014, but met opposition from the Spanish government.

In the event of a vote for independence, there may be negotiations on the terms of secession for the territory from the sovereign state.