The principle of the rule of law, which is one of the three pillars of the Council of Europe along with democracy and human rights, applies to referendums just as it does to every other area (of law). The principle of the sovereignty of the people allows the latter to take decisions only in accordance with the law. On the one hand, the use of referendums must be permitted only where it is provided for by the Constitution or a statute in conformity with the latter, and the procedural rules applicable to referendums must be followed. In no way may referendums be used as an alternative mechanism to those provided in the law to amend the Constitution or legislation. On the other hand, referendums must be organised where the legal system provides for them (point I.3.2.b.i).