The consultative referendum does not have as much impact as a confirmatory or repealing one, but it still has a precious value: it is the opinion of the people. Which, at times, may not even coincide with that of those who administer public affairs. And that’s where the beauty comes in, because it puts politicians in front of a choice: continue to follow the path outlined or listen to the people? By taking responsibility for choices that, if necessary, go against the trend vox populi above. Provided, however, that the electorate consulted is aware of what they are going to do.
Far be it from us to take anyone’s side or judge an uncertain response, but there is a fact: few people know that the referendum is of a consultative nature and, even fewer, that there will be two questions contained in each ballot (one for choose whether to unify the three territories, the other – with three options – to indicate the possible new name of the municipality). Let’s be clear, the excerpt from the video (about 6 and a half minutes) is only part of the contributions collected, but still sufficient to understand the state of mind of the voters and electors who will show up at the polls on Sunday: uncertainty, unpreparedness, confusion. And also a little fear. There is no shortage of extreme positions, between those who fear losing something with the merger and those who instead hope for it. Some even refer to a phantom election… of a president, others call for the nascent city to bear the name of Giacomo Mancini, former illustrious mayor of Cosenza. A potpourrof opinions further mixed with the desire to understand something: “I have to read up… I’m confused… why are we going to vote?”. A situation of disorientation that does not exempt those who go to the polls from blame because, we reiterate, the referendum – albeit consultative – represents an instrument of democracy and offers a precious opportunity to the people: to confirm or deny political choices. The latter however, regardless of the “colours”, has its share of responsibility in this situation of confusion, because the debate on the single city immediately became polarized and entrenched behind rigid positions, more an expression of the parties and coalitions than of the people. This explains the great uncertainty. The quorum will not be needed, given the nature of the referendum, but the feeling is that the turnout, already at historic lows during Political, Administrative, Regional and European elections, will be further affected.