Malta should not have had a referendum on divorce, for roughly the same reasons (though far less serious) that the UK should not have had a referendum on whether to leave the European Union.

The uncertainty that the result of this referendum has created is not simply a local British matter. One does not promise a referendum on the premise that its result means nothing until there is another election that elects a government with a commitment to accept, reject or negotiate, the outcome of the referendum.

Many Maltese, if not all, who are fighting this delaying tactic were singing a different song following the referendum on divorce in Malta.

I disagree with the result of the UK referendum which went against the way I voted, but I do not change my principles to accommodate my preferences.

The next leader of the Conservative Party is bound to become the Prime Minister, and will have a mandate to lead the (not necessarily “her”) country. If not s/he should call for an election immediately.

The consequences of an exit result should have been known to the politicians who promised the referendum, those who carried on the campaign on either side, and the voters.

Except on a White Rabbit day perhaps. But back to the subject. I am in good company. Tony Blair does not think that “Parliament can over-ride the settled will of the people (6.46) … and that “it is the job of Parliament to express the will of the people” (7.36) –

(http://daphnecaruanagalizia.com/2016/07/tony-blairs-interview-sky-news-yesterday/
(your post of today Tuesday)

God, I’m so exhausted with explaining the democratic process. Do you mind if I use some cathartic capital letters? HAD LABOUR WON THE GENERAL ELECTION IN 2003, IT WOULD HAVE HAD A MANDATE FROM THE ELECTORATE TO KEEP MALTA OUT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION. THAT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ‘OVER-RULING THE REFERENDUM’, BUT IS A CLEAR AND SEPARATE MANDATE FROM THE PEOPLE TO IGNORE IT.

It bodes ill for democracy were referenda to be overturned, however legal, by representatives in parliament. The political mandate rather by another referendum if there is justifiable swell warranting a sequel.

Or by an election which is binding not consultative.

That is a possibility if the majority feels it had been misled.

Had Labour won the 2003 general election in Malta, it would have overruled the referendum result. Which is why Fenech Adami, by his own admission, held it immediately after the referendum to secure a foregone conclusion and pre-empt a Labour reversal.

They may indeed have supported the Remain camp, but they still resorted to sensationalism when they reported on the negatives the Brexit camp suggested that EU membership brought with it.