The right to political participation in International Law, independence referendums, and international good practice

Abstract

The object of this study is to analyse how to address secessionist tensions in democratic States based on the fundamental human right to political participation. In this vein, secessionist tensions in democratic States and the indissoluble connection between human rights, democracy and the rule of law are considered. Secondly, the right to political participation in International Law is analysed, and the formulation of this right, its content and scope, and its interaction with other human rights and fundamental freedoms are addressed. Thirdly, international good practice and standards for elections and referendums, and their application to independence referendums, are analysed with particular emphasis on the main principles and democratic safeguards that originate in these good practices.