By Glenda Willie.
Members of Parliament (MPs) are expected to receive financial support of up to VT1 million each to strengthen and support the National Referendum ‘Yes’ campaign.
This was confirmed by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Johnny Koanapo yesterday, adding that this fund is part of the VT350 million appropriated by Parliament for referendum awareness efforts.
Koanapo explained that MPs must submit a detailed work plan outlining their proposed strategies for conducting the awareness campaign for the ‘Yes’ vote.
The plan should present how the funds will be utilised, such as covering transportation expenses or organising community gatherings to spread information about the significance of the referendum.
Recognising the diverse needs of different constituencies, Koanapo appealed to the MPs to be realistic when budgeting within the submitted work plans. While some areas may require the full VT1 million allocation, others might suffice with lesser amounts, based on their outlined strategies.
The Internal Affairs Minister confirmed efforts will be made to ensure all the people, with emphasis on reaching remote and sizable constituencies like SANMA and MALAMPA Provinces. Koanapo pointed out that MPs play an important role in supporting these particular government-led initiatives, filling gaps, and extending the campaign’s reach to areas beyond official efforts.
Koanapo explained that each MP will have their work plan to carry out in their constituencies. However, the government also disseminates information through the National Coordinating team spearheaded by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and invites MPs to join when they visit the MPs’ constituencies.
The MPs, according to their work plan can help disseminate information to areas the government might miss.
Minister Koanapo stressed that they want as much as possible to go to all areas, the constituencies in particular, to use the fund to help spread the message to the people.
The proposed amendments were passed by the parliament and the MPs take full ownership of the process to disseminate information.
He said MPs will go out to their constituencies to explain why the parliament has made this decision. MPs will also be in a better position to explain the amendments and the referendum.
Koanapo also mentioned that before the closing of the First Extraordinary Session this week, several presidents of political parties have pledged their support and called on their electorates to vote ‘yes’.
The minister added that they are aware that some people are campaigning against these plans. He questioned who they represent and suggested they declare their interests.
He reiterated that these people going for the ‘No’ campaign have the right to do so, but, they need clarify who they speak for.
The MPs have already agreed in Parliament that this change to the Constitution will stop MPs from changing sides easily. The minister said if anyone disagrees with the ‘Yes’ campaign, this indicates that they are okay with unstable governments and tolerate instability.
He called on those campaigning against the referendum to speak up when the awareness teams are going around to explain the referendum.
Koanapo made it clear that this change will not affect citizens’ fundamental rights, as stipulated in Article 5 of the Constitution, only MPs’ actions in Articles 17A and 17B of the Constitution.
