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Constitution: People want safety net like in 1969
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It is the utmost in despotism to expect people to vote in a referendum without any certainty of what others will make of their democratic expression, says the Voice of Gibraltar group.
The Preamble to the 1969 constitution proved to be a safety net for the Gibraltarians and they expect similar treatment in the new.
In a Press release, they start of by saying that, as the old adage goes, the impossible takes longer than miracles.
Thus, The VOGG is relieved that there is now consensus on 'The Despatch' and 'Text' of the constitution; two down and one go.
Hopefully the discrepancies over the 'second preamble' can be resolved in a similar manner. Alas, the latest indications that the wording for this shall be 'decided' after the referendum will surely provide for more arguments.
DESPICABLE
The VOGG finds this 'decision' totally despicable. Irrespective whether the contents themselves are debatable, it is the utmost in despotism to expect people to vote in a referendum without any certainty of what others will make of their democratic expression.
If the Chief Minister wants to detract from its importance, let him have the political decency to publish the text, explain the rush for a plebiscite in June, categorically state where all this is leading to.
The VOGG add: The Preamble to the '69 Constitution proved to be a safety net for the Gibraltarians and they expect similar treatment in the new. HMG's duplicity and continuous Spanish attrition (e.g. EU Vote) will do more for a NO vote than all the Chief Minister's hard-sell for a YES. Did, or does he now, really understand the psyche of the 'llanitos', having previously described their attitude as 'psychotic'? Surely not!
DECOLONISATION
As stated in the past and reiterated here, The VOGG recognises the advances in self-government in the new constitution. But its approval must be considered an act of self-determination that facilitates decolonisation and delisting. It does not accept references to Utrecht, specific or inferred, 'other treaties' (except Rome), 'other principles' than those enshrined in the UN Charter and, now, the exclusion of preamble(s).
It will maintain its hope that the local political class can reach some workable understanding. If positions remain entrenched, The VOGG will choose according to its convictions and campaign accordingly, said Paul TUNBRIDGE/Julio PONS (spokesmen), THE VOICE OF GIBRALTAR GROUP.
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