Laura Sharman 01 September 2016

EU referendum suffered ‘glaring democratic deficiencies’

A ‘root and branch review’ of the role and conduct of referendums is needed to ensure errors made during the EU vote are not repeated, say campaign group.

The Electoral Reform Society (ERS) published their report into the conduct of the European Union (EU) referendum today, which claims the debate suffered from ‘glaring democratic deficiencies’.

Polling, published in the report, shows many people felt ill-informed about the debate. It also reveals many felt the ‘big beast’ personalities did not engage or convince voters.

The ERS’ poll findings also demonstrate voters viewed both sides as increasingly negative as the campaign progressed.

The report, entitled It’s Good to Talk: doing referendums differently after the EU vote, compared the EU vote negatively to the Scottish independence referendum, which it says featured a ‘vibrant, well-informed, grassroots conversation that left a lasting legacy of on-going public participation in politics and public life’.

Katie Ghose, chief executive of the Electoral Reform Society, said: ‘This report shows without a shadow of a doubt just how dire the EU referendum debate really was.

‘There were glaring democratic deficiencies in the run-up to the vote, with the public feeling totally ill-informed. Both sides were viewed as highly negative by voters, while the top-down, personality-based nature of the debate failed to address major policies and issues, leaving the public in the dark.’

‘It’s time for a root and branch review of referendums, learning the lessons of the EU campaign to make sure the mistakes that were made in terms of regulation, tone and conduct are never repeated,’ she added.

‘Let’s make sure that future referendums guarantee the lively and well-informed discussion that voters deserve.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Casual Support Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£25992 - £28163
About Us Abingdon Community Support Service's primary purpose is to support adults to engage with a stimulating programme of meaningful individual and rewarding group activities. The Social and Community Services vision is to support and promote strong c Abingdon Community Support Service
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Quality and Review Support Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
WHAT IS INVOLVED?   You will provide administrative, clerical and typing services to the Quality & Review Service, specifically in support of the Inde Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Duty Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022 per annum
We have an opportunity for a Duty Manager at Meadowfield Leisure Centre.  WHAT IS INVOLVED? You will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of t Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
WHAT IS INVOLVED?   You should be an enthusiastic team player who takes pride in providing excellent customer service.  You will have good communicati Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
We have an exciting opportunity for a permanent Support Officer to join our dedicated team within Business Services (part time 22 hours).   WHAT IS IN Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner