One benefit at least from referendum

What does any referendum prove? Hitler organised referendums in most of the places he occupied in the 1930s – backed up of course by terror tactics. In 1979 Iran held a plebiscite and 98 per cent of voters agreed with the establishment of the Islamic Republic. Baby Doc Duvalier in Haiti in 1982 was endorsed by similar means as president-for-life by 99 per cent. Well done, indeed! British voters recently chose to exit the EU but because they believed the silly propaganda that billions of pounds could then be diverted to the National Health Service or that millions of refugees needed to be stopped from invading UK shores.  

In reality referendums are anti-democratic, since they weaken the role of elected representatives and allow the ruling party to set the timing to meet its own needs. That said, last weekend’s Thai referendum at least demonstrated recognition that the country needs a general election. Currently there is neither an elected government nor a parliament derived from popular votes. 

Barry Kenyon