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Concern over confusion about constitution referendum
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The PDP are concerned that there is much public confusion about the content and effect of the draft Constitution and the forthcoming referendum of the 30th November.
It will be re-stating its own position on the matter and its recommendation on the Constitution in coming days.
In the meantime it urges Government (that is in possession of technical and financial resources) to;
1. drive a vigorous public information campaign on the subject itself immediately and;
2. provide financial resources to such political parties and lobby groups that may wish to do so themselves so that more information can be made freely available.
The Government has a public duty to make resources available for a comprehensive information campaign. This is especially so given that the House of Assembly unanimously approved the convening of this Referendum. The Government is doing little to dissipate the widespread public confusion that can be felt in Gibraltar. This will not facilitate either a good understanding of the choices available or an appropriate selection when the time comes to vote on the 30th November. There are merely two weeks left before polling day. The PDP welcomes today?s announcement that a leaflet is being published. This is a useful first step but much more must be done to better inform public opinion.
The Referendum on the Constitution is a significant exercise in democracy and public consultation and no stone should be left unturned on explaining to the public the content and effect of the Constitution and decision that people are being asked to take. There is a danger that some people will cast their vote based on a wrong impression, on lack of information or on misinformation if this is not done.
The PDP call on Government and the Official Opposition to share a common platform with it to better explain this issue to the public at a public meeting, if necessary, and through any other available forum. This is a non-partisan issue and should be treated as such.
The PDP has already contacted GBC with a request that a referendum broadcast be made available to it for the purposes of explaining its views on the Constitution.
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