Final answer:
A referendum is a process that allows voters to either affirm or reject existing legislation via a ballot. Nepal's first referendum in 1980 allowed citizens to choose between a non-party Panchayat system and a multi-party system.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is a Referendum?
A referendum is a democratic process that allows voters to counteract legislation by putting an existing law on the ballot for them to either affirm or reject. This direct democracy tool is often used by a state legislature when they seek the approval of the voters before a law can take effect or to gauge general support for a contentious issue.
Referendum in Nepal
In the context of Nepal, the first referendum was conducted in 1980. The purpose was to decide between a non-party Panchayat system or a multi-party system. It was a significant event as it allowed the citizens of Nepal to have a direct say in the form of government they preferred.