By Glenda Willie.
The Council of Ministers (COM) resolved in their meeting on Thursday this week that the Government will not provide funding for the “No” Group’s campaign leading up to the upcoming National Referendum
Minister of Internal Affairs, Johnny Koanapo, revealed this decision yesterday afternoon at Feiawa Park, during the official launch of the Referendum awareness for Port Vila.
Using a parable to convey his message, Koanapo expressed, “The government cannot sit on two horses.” He noted yesterday that he made time to meet with the “No” Group last week and informed them that their funding request would be forwarded to COM to decide on.
The minister emphasised that while people have the right to express ourselves, the Council understands that citizens cannot be forced to vote “Yes” during campaigns. They must provide space for the citizens to exercise their constitutional rights.
Koanapo noted that in accordance with the procedure, he would inform the “No” Group of the COM decision today.
He stated that the COM decided that the government could not be divided on this issue.
The government follows an agenda mandated by parliament and allocates a budget to educate people about the referendum.
Koanapo affirmed that the government will uphold people’s rights to vote either yes or no.
The Minister of Internal Affairs also clarified that the VT1 million would not be deposited into the accounts of individual MPs, as many are misinterpreting.
He said MPs will need to submit their work programs detailing how they plan to conduct the referendum awareness. Koanapo further added that these activities would be accounted for in accordance with the Finance Act.
In related updates, Joshua Kalsakau, the Chairman of the “No” Group, announced that their awareness event will take place next Wednesday. Initially scheduled for yesterday, it was postponed.
Mr. Kalsakau, a former Member of Parliament (MP) for Efate Rural Constituency, had previously explained his reasons for opposing the referendum.
He urged the authorities to allocate funding, proposing a minimum of VT20 million, for the “No” campaign.
Kalsakau stressed the importance of people understanding both sides of the referendum and making informed choices, without being unduly influenced by the government to vote “Yes.”
Source: dailypost.vu
