Referendums empower citizens in governance by allowing them to directly vote on specific issues or policies rather than relying solely on elected representatives. This process enhances democracy by fostering public participation and ensuring that the populace has a say in critical decisions. It can improve political accountability as lawmakers are held responsible for delivering outcomes aligned with the electorate's preferences. However, referendums can also be contentious, often reflecting deep societal divides and posing challenges in interpretation of results, highlighting the need for informed public discourse.