In the previous article, we discussed the need for people to have two real options presented to them in a referendum. This means that the options need to be well thought-out and be presented in a way that most people can understand. Certainly, that was not the case with BREXIT, and it is likely to cost the British people dearly.
Pro-BREXIT politicians painted a rosy picture of a world without EU domination. They spoke of how Britain would take back its regulatory authority from the EU and focus on the needs of the British people for a change. They made it sound like everything else would remain the same. They didn’t mention that a border would be reinserted between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Nor did they mention that trade would be impacted, as customs and tariffs are reinserted between Britain and the rest of the continent. Perhaps some of the blame falls on Remainers, who failed to adequately raise these points to the people as well. In any event, it’s clear that few people really understood what they were voting for.
However, a deeper issue plagues the use of referendums. The BREXITer played on emotion to sway voters to their side. Chest-thumping jingoistic statements about British identity carried the day, especially among older voters. It is difficult to say that a rational presentation of facts would have effectively countered this histrionic barrage since people often vote more by emotion than reason.
Before referendums can be used more frequently, better methods for presenting realistic options will be needed. People will need more accurate information on what’s at stake. New tools and laws will be needed to make sure this happens. Voters themselves will need to gain a new sobriety about going to the polls. In short, the entire process needs to mature. Perhaps the best way to mature the process is to live with the consequences of a bad decision; however, one can hope for a less painful way to learn.
References:
Ian Dunt, “The collective madness behind Britain’s latest Brexit plan,” 3 Feb 2019, B4.