How Direct Democracy Can Meet the Populist Challenge
How referendums can diffuse populist tensions by putting power back into the hands of the people Propelled by the belief that government has slipped out of the hands of ordinary citizens, a surging wave of populism is destabilizing democracies around the world.
Actual questions on #Venezuela's #referendum regarding territorial dispute with #Guyana are...eyebrow-raising. Public is asked to weigh in on legal technicalities, while being told "right" answer, but with disclaimers.
Gems include "Do you support the 1966 Geneva Agreement as the only valid legal instrument..." and "Do you agree to oppose, by all legal means, Guyana's [use of sea resources] illegally and in violation of international law?"
Just ahead of #Venezuela referendum on whether to "incorporate" disputed #GuayanaEsequiba / #Essequibo area (currently governed by #Guyana) as one of its states, #WorldCourt (#ICJ) orders country not to seize any land there ahead of future ruling.
Court took a pass on Guyana's request to order the #referendum cancelled, but did order both countries to avoid actions that "aggravate or extend" the dispute.