The Coalition for the Abolition of Spring Hunting (CASH) this evening welcomed the Prime Minister’s confirmation of the referendum question, and urged the public to vote no to end spring hunting.
Earlier this evening the Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, had said in Parliament, that those who want to abolish spring hunting will have to vote ‘No’ in the referendum, and to keep spring hunting, the vote would have to be ‘Yes.’
The referendum question will be “Do you agree that the provisions of the Framework for allowing a Derogation opening a Spring Hunting season for Turtle Dove and Quail Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 504.94) should continue in force?” Dr Muscat said this was decided following advice from the Attorney General, on the basis of the Maltese version of the Referenda Act and Petition that had been presented in the court.
Romina Tolu, Campaign Coordinator said, “we welcome the quick announcement of both the date and the question for this historic referendum.” This is the first time that Malta will hold an abrogative referendum, meaning that unlike previous votes, this referendum was called for by the people, and the choice of the people will be binding.
Ms Tolu added “The public now have the chance to take this important decision on the future of Malta, their countryside and, of course, the birds. This is no longer an issue which is decided by the politicians.”
Ms Tolu urged people to use their vote, adding “this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to end spring hunting, by voting no on 11th April. Everyone’s vote is equally valid, and we encourage people to express themselves and make use of our strongest democratic tool.”
Photo – Turtle Doves in flight. Photo by David Tipling/Nature Picture Library [1].
3 Comments To "Coalition welcomes the referendum question, urges public to vote no"
#1 Comment By Mick Cundy On January 13, 2015 @ 6:46 am
So, after some confusion about the difference in the wording of the question in Maltese or English, voters who are against spring hunting should vote ‘No’. Those who support spring hunting should vote ‘Yes’.
#2 Comment By george palmer On January 13, 2015 @ 4:14 pm
Mmm, certainly not rocket science eh Mick. Perhaps the issue is sooo political OSCE observers should be brought in to invigilate the count.
#3 Comment By Mick Cundy On January 14, 2015 @ 2:01 am
Initially due to the wording and misinterpretation of the law and mistranslation, those answering the question in Maltese had to answer No, to end the current Law and those answering the question in English had to vote Yes, the current Law should not continue!!!. So it was a bit confusing for many to say the least!