vote, or have been marked with an instrument not officially provided at the polling station. National referendums National referendums are governed by the Constitution. The Constitution provides that the a simple majority of the total number of votes cast and counted shall be required for a referendum to be adopted, however results are subject to review and confirmation by the Election Commission. Referendums may be initiated by the king if, in his opinion, a bill that fails in a joint sitting of Parliament is of national importance; if Parliament likewise insists on the passage of a bill not assented to by the king; or if an appeal is made by not less than fifty percent of the total number of members of all Dzongkhag Tshogdus. A National Referendum may not be held regarding taxes or any other grounds as might be prescribed by law made by Parliament, and a Referendum may not be withdrawn once initiated. Referendums are approved by a simple majority. The Constitution further mandates Parliament to prescribe the procedure for holding a National Referendum, which it has done; as of 2011, the National Referendum Act is available only in Dzongkha, however. Offenses under the Election Act of 2008 The Election Act of 2008 codifies numerous offenses, supplementing the Penal Code, related to elections, punishments for which range from warning to felony convictions (three years or more imprisonment). Among the offenses listed are those related to breach of code of conduct, conducting exit polls, sale of alcohol during polling periods, and broadcasting political messages from outside Bhutan (misdemeanors) to making and accepting illegal contributions, influencing Commissions, canvassing poll places, campaigning or holding public gatherings within 48 hours of a poll (fourth degree felonies). Election-related issues Bhutan faces some obstacles in its implementation of its envisaged fully participatory democracy. Citizens' participation in voting and running for office, delayed elections, electoral rolls, and voters' confidence in electronic voting machines (EVMs), have been notable issues in Bhutanese elections. Candidacy requirements including security clearance and extensive competence, legal, and documentary showings have served to dwindle numbers of available local government cadres. As a result, local government elections slated for 2008 were delayed until 2011. The political, though not electoral, landscape is largely male-dominated. Furthermore, other aspects of the Bhutanese legal landscape, from the Constitution to citizenship legislation, shape election-related issues in Bhutan. Delayed elections and government action Between 2008 and 2011, delayed