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Sulik: Referendum a Fiasco Unless 400,000 People Attend
Saturday 18 September 2010 Zoom in | Print page
Bratislava, September 18 (TASR) - Saturday's referendum will be a clear fiasco if at least 400,000 people won't participate in it, Parliamentary Chairman Richard Sulik (Freedom and Solidarity/SaS) told TASR after taking part in the plebiscite in Bratislava on Saturday.
By mentioning 400,000 people, Sulik was referring to the number of citizens who signed the petition that initiated the referendum, promoted by SaS. He did not want to guess how many people will come to express their opinion in the plebiscite. "Let's wait and be surprised, we'll know tomorrow," he said.
Sulik is surprised that several ministers announced they will not attend the referendum. He stated that it's not enough to talk about supporting democracy, as actions speak louder than words. "I'm very sorry to hear that Smer-SD party has recommended its electorate not to attend the plebiscite. What is that about? Ever since Slovak President (Ivan Gasparovic) initiated the vote it's no longer a party issue but rather a matter concerning all citizens, Smer-SD voters included," noted Sulik.
Parliamentary Chairman is convinced that no matter what the result of the referendum will be, it has already influenced the politicians. "Four out of six questions are included in the Government's Manifesto. Referendum has already met its purpose, moving our society a step further," said Sulik, adding that issues included in the plebiscite have been much discussed.
People can voice their opinion on cancelling licence fees for the public media, removing MPs' immunity, reducing the number of MPs from 150 to 100, setting limits on the cost of Government limousines, online voting, and changes to the Press Act that would exempt public officials from the right to reply guaranteed by law.
The referendum will be valid only if more than half of registered voters take part in it, with more than half of those who take part required to pass or reject individual items on the list.
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