Referendum
الإستفتاء (al-istiftā') is an Arabic noun meaning 'referendum' or 'public vote,' referring to a direct democratic process where citizens vote on a specific political question or constitutional matter. It represents a formal consultation of the people on an important national issue, distinct from general elections. This word is commonly used in political discourse across Arab countries when discussing matters submitted directly to public opinion.
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سيتم إجراء استفتاء حول التعديلات الدستورية في الشهر القادم.
Sayatum ijrā' istiftā' hawla al-ta'dīlāt ad-dustūriyyah fī ash-shahr al-qādim.
A referendum on constitutional amendments will be conducted next month.
فاز الجانب المؤيد في الاستفتاء بنسبة 65%.
Fāza al-jānib al-mu'ayyid fī al-istiftā' bi-nisbat 65%.
The supporting side won the referendum with 65% of the vote.
دعت الحكومة المواطنين للمشاركة في الاستفتاء على القانون الجديد.
Da'at al-hukūmah al-muwātinīn lil-mushārakah fī al-istiftā' 'alā al-qānūn al-jadīd.
The government called on citizens to participate in the referendum on the new law.
أظهرت نتائج الاستفتاء انقسام الرأي العام بشأن هذه القضية.
Aẓharat natā'ij al-istiftā' inqisām ar-ra'y al-'āmm bi-sha'n hadhih al-qadiyyah.
The referendum results revealed a division in public opinion regarding this matter.
حقق الاستفتاء مشاركة عالية من الناخبين.
Haqqaqa al-istiftā' mushārakah 'āliyah min an-nākhibīn.
The referendum achieved high voter participation.
Referendums have become increasingly common in Arab countries as tools for political legitimacy and democratic participation. The concept gained prominence during constitutional reform processes in countries like Egypt, Tunisia, and Iraq. In Arab political discourse, استفتاء represents a significant democratic mechanism, though its implementation and fairness may vary across different countries and political contexts.
Remember that الاستفتاء specifically refers to a vote on a specific issue or constitutional matter, not general elections. Use this word when discussing direct democracy processes where citizens vote yes or no on a particular question. The word is formal and politically charged, commonly found in news reports and official government announcements.