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Will Referendum Dictate Election Outcome
posted (January 10, 2019)

We also asked Espat and Musa about the perception that this ICJ referendum may be all wrapped up in politics and that the results of the referendum may predict how the public will vote in the next general elections. Musa and Espat gave different views on that.

Hon. Kareem Musa - Area Rep, Caribbean Shores
"I don't believe it is a litmus test per say, I believe what it is, it is a litmus test on the way that the government of the day has been mishandling the matter. I think a lot of people, the significant portion of the no voters are going to be coming out and voting no not about the message but rather the messenger."

Hon. Julius Espat - Area Rep, Cayo South
"He's my colleague but I disagree with him, I think everything in politics is a litmus test, that's a reality in life."

Reporter
"Are you bringing out your supports to vote yes?"

Hon. Julius Espat
"At least in my case, I can't speak on his or the party’s case, we will be educating our voters and given them... See the problem started way back when the education campaign was one sided, the financing of the education campaign has been one sided and therefore it forced us to a certain level. If you believe in democracy it force the opposition to a certain level to be able to express the other side and so that's all we're doing, trying to create a fair playing field so that people can make their mind. We won't be mobilizing people; we will be educating people, so that they at the end of the day can make up their minds. I think that's our role, I really and sincerely believe that is our role but a litmus test? I disagree with Kareem, yes. Everything in politics is a litmus test and I believe that this just one nail more in the coffin of the UDP's government."

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