51.   President Vladimir Meciar called the referendum in an apparent effort to build opposition to NATO membership.

52.   Rebel intimidation kept tens of thousands of Colombians away from polling stations in regional elections, but millions cast ballots in what the government called a referendum for peace.

53.   So, over the objections of opponents and the fears of supporters, and without the backing of the U.S. Congress, he called the referendum.

54.   That deadline expires in October but Musharraf, saying his task is not yet over, called the referendum seeking a mandate for another five years.

55.   SRNA said if pressure on Karadzic continued, the Bosnian Serb leadership may call a referendum soon to demonstrate voter support.

56.   The GAO agreed that Glickman had the authority to call the referendum on his own.

57.   The opposition would need to secure some votes from the ruling, Solidarity-led coalition to achieve the majority needed in parliament to call a referendum.

58.   The referendum had been called by President Michal Kovac, a Meciar rival, shortly before his term expired and he left office last month.

59.   The referendum was called for Slovaks to vote on NATO membership and direct presidential elections.

60.   The president and Congress can also call referendums.