There’s been a bit of chatter recently – on the Welsh political Twittersphere at least – about referendums and if/when they’re needed.
The Conservatives in Wales have called for a referendum on proposed electoral reforms to the Senedd – which has, of course, been rebuffed. They seem to like referendums in some circumstances but not in others, though they’re not the only ones who are inconsistent on the issue.
On the other hand, there are some politicians – Hefin David MS (Lab, Caerphilly) being one of the more consistent in his views on it – who oppose referendums under any/most circumstances. They may believe a political mandate (for constitutional changes or whatever) should be granted through elections to the legislature.
Referendums are neither inherently good nor bad. It’s more down to the questions and the motivations driving those asking them. There’s also the matter of how informed the electorate is to make a decision based on the campaigns to prevent being manipulated.
Referendums sometimes fix problems. We saw that in Wales in 2011 when those who bothered to vote got rid of the cumbersome Legislative Consent Order system, simplifying law-making in Wales.
The Good Friday Agreement was ratified in the north and south of Ireland by referendums – marking the end point of “The Troubles” as a serious civil conflict (of course it never 100% ended, just died down).
Referendums can (but don’t always) ensure a broad coalition and range of support on issues that are perhaps too controversial for a legislature to decide for themselves. When done properly – giving a clear idea of the implications of the outcome – they can settle a matter for a generation or more. They can empower people to make policy decisions for themselves without having to wait for a politician to decide for them.
