Summarised by Centrist
Chris Trotter argues statements, by Debbie Ngarewa Packer and Willie Jackson, about the ACT Party’s proposed referendum on Te Tiriti o Waitangi are meant to intimidate the incoming government. These political radicals threaten ‘consequences’, which means civil unrest, possibly violent in nature.
“What other conclusion can be drawn?” asks Trotter. “(E)xcept that they reject the principle of majority rule that underpins the entire democratic system of government,” he says.
Past approaches to controversial issues like proportional representation and assisted dying, were resolved peacefully through referendums.
Trotter says no government can allow threats of civil disturbance to force its actions. He intimates his own notion of consequences, which would be the natural result, if the minority tries to veto the will of the majority.
