The government should avoid holding a constitutional reform referendum on the same day as general elections, as this risks reducing critical constitutional issues to partisan conflicts, Dr. Dylan Vernon has cautioned.
Vernon, a Political Scientist, former ambassador to the European Union, and chair of the 2000 Political Reform Commission, emphasized the potential for these vital issues to be overshadowed by electoral politicking.
Writing in his recurring blog "Time Come," Vernon emphasized the potential consequences of conflating the two electoral processes. He noted that constitutional reform, requiring in-depth public debate and understanding, could be overshadowed by the heightened emotions and divisiveness of a general election. Vernon described the risk succinctly: “The issues of constitutional reforms will either get lost in the partisan carnival and/or be subjected to divisive partisan games.”
This caution comes as the People’s Constitution Commission (PCC) approaches its May 2025 deadline to deliver a final report on proposed constitutional changes, following a six-month extension granted earlier this month. Observers speculate that the timing of the referendum could coincide with an anticipated early general election, raising concerns about the integrity of the reform process.
Vernon’s remarks highlight broader apprehensions about the PCC’s progress and approach to fulfilling its mandate. He expressed concern over the PCC's decision to pass certain public engagement responsibilities back to the government. According to Vernon, the PCC is uniquely positioned to ensure the final report reflects public input, rather than relying on government-led processes that could compromise the independence of the reform.
The lack of structured public consultations further complicates the process. While the PCC promised to return to the public with reform-specific consultations, Vernon noted that these have not been executed comprehensively. Surveys and written submissions have been solicited, but face-to-face feedback on emerging proposals remains limited, casting doubt on the depth of public involvement.
Vernon also critiqued the absence of an interim report, which the PCC initially pledged to deliver by October 2023. Instead, the Commission is reportedly working directly on a draft final report. This shift bypasses promised opportunities for public review and feedback, undermining transparency and accountability in the process.
The public education phase, concluded earlier this year, was another area of concern. Vernon argued that while the PCC made strides in raising awareness, the approach leaned heavily on top-down lectures rather than engaging, accessible formats. Given the public's low familiarity with constitutional issues—evidenced by a 2023 poll indicating 98% of respondents were unfamiliar with the Constitution—Vernon suggested more innovative methods were necessary to bridge the knowledge gap.
With the PCC’s mandate nearing completion, questions linger about its ability to deliver on its promises. Vernon underscored the need for the Commission to avoid cutting corners, particularly in engaging the public on key constitutional issues before finalizing its report.
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