Thu, Apr 08, 2004 - Page 3 News List

IRI experts praise, criticize March 20 referendum

EUROPEAN ADVICE The government was urged to drop the turnout requirement, ensure voting confidentiality and also conduct referendums separately from elections

By Melody Chen  /  STAFF REPORTER

"The Central Election Commission called for 10 public TV debates, which were virtually hijacked by talk-show hosts and other media personalities. It would have been better to have organized the debates along journalistic principles instead," the study said.

The study also criticized the Referendum Law for excluding budget issues, taxation, investment, salaries and personal matters as topics for referendums.

"The exclusion of almost all financial matters means that one of the issues most important to people is excluded from popular decision-making," the paper said.

This story has been viewed 3446 times.
TOP top