The draft of Iceland’s new constitution could be submitted to parliament as early as next week.
Last October, Icelanders voted in an historic referendum pertaining to the draft of a new constitution drawn up by the Constitutional Council. About two-thirds of those who took part in the referendum said Yes to the draft being submitted to parliament.
Vísir now reports that a team of experts who were asked to read and offer suggestions or criticisms of the draft have completed their work. They had no significant suggestions to make about the draft, giving the green light for the next part in the process.
Valgerður Bjarnadóttir, chairperson of the Constitutional and Supervisory Committee, told reporters that it is her hope the constitutional draft can be submitted to parliament next week.
Among the new articles that Icelanders voted in favour of being in the new constitution were that natural resources that are not privately owned be declared national property, that equal weight be given to votes cast in all parts of the country, and that a certain proportion of the electorate be able to demand that issues are put to a referendum.
Once submitted to parliament, it will be debated on and sent back to committee in additional three times before a final vote is cast. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, or longer.
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