Crossword Genius

Arbitrator shortly needs new approval for Russian votes (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

referenda

'votes' is the definition.
(referendum is a kind of vote)

'arbitrator shortly needs new approval for russian' is the wordplay.
'arbitrator' becomes 'referee' (I've seen this before).
'shortly' means to remove the last letter.
'needs' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'new' becomes 'n'.
'approval for russian' becomes 'da' ('yes' in Russian).
'referee' with its final letter taken off is 'refere'.
'refere'+'n'+'da'='REFERENDA'

(Other definitions for referenda that I've seen before include "National votes or plebiscites (9)" , "General votes" , "submissions to people" , "Votes put to country generally 9)" , "mass votes" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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