Popular referendum

[2][6] Critics point out that popular referendums have a higher voter turnout by people who have strong feelings about the issue at hand, and as such, it empowers special interests.

[16] In 1988, Chile held a national plebiscite where voters rejected extending General Augusto Pinochet's rule for another eight years, paving the way for democratic elections and ending the dictatorship.

[24] In 1992, South Africa held a historic referendum in which white voters supported ending apartheid, paving the way for democratic reforms and multiracial governance in the country.

[26] In 2015, Rwanda held a constitutional referendum that allowed President Paul Kagame to potentially remain in power until 2034, raising debates about the balance between stability and democratic principles.

[27] In 2023, the Central African Republic held a referendum on constitutional changes potentially allowing President Faustin-Archange Touadéra to extend his time in office, a move that raised concerns about democratic backsliding.