Yesterday was great day for Scotland, UK and democracy. 97% of illegible voters were registered, 85% of them voted. For first time 16 & 17 year olds were allowed to vote. The result was indicative of the truly democratic nature of the referendum; free, fair and competitive. 55/45 is very competitive result but also clear winner leaving no room for doubt. Given a choice between amicable divorce and renewal of vows, Scotland chose the later, but with condition that new contract has to be signed . Scotland remains in the UK but UK will not remain the same. More devolution of power is unavoidable. UK is likely to become a fully federal country ( ethnic federalism that is). Opinion polls show that even those who voted NO on independence overwhelmingly support further devolution. This is not just demand of the Scottish people but also the rest of the country, Wells, N. Ireland and even England. Self-rule has emerged as undisputed choice of the time as admitted even by David Cameron who said Scotland voted for a stronger Scottish Parliament There is great lesson to be taken by those who want to keep a given country united in the face of demand for independence by a certain part of the country. Instead of trying to suppress such demand, let people debate and vote on it. Present your case for either of the choices passionately and strategically. What David Cameron said in his victory statement is worth quoting at length. Let us first remember why we had this debate - and why it was right to do so. The Scottish National Party was elected in 2011 in Scotland and promised a referendum on independence. We could have blocked that, we could have put it off - but just as with other issues, it was right to take - not duck - the big decision. I am a passionate believer in our United Kingdom - I wanted more than anything for our United Kingdom to stay together. But I am also a democrat. And it was right that we respected the SNPs majority in Holyrood and gave the Scottish people the right to have their say. Let us also remember why it was right to ask the definitive question, Yes or No. Because now the debate has been settled for a generation - or as Alex Salmond has said, perhaps for a lifetime. So there can be no disputes, no re-runs - we have heard the settled will of the Scottish people. Cameron was criticized for endangering the country by agreeing to the referendum but he is now vindicated. The Union is much secure today. Had he tried to block the referendum, the nationalist demand and support for it would have grown eventually forcing referendum and ultimately independence as people would be voting as protest. The Spanish government seem to be choosing that other alternative on Catalan issue. Its a big mistake. They are delaying the inevitable and by delaying the unionist side looses while the pro-indepdence gains momentum. Remember, nationalist demand for self-determination is not about declaring independence. Its about that nation having and exercising the right to determine its fate free of external bullying. And most members of a nation are interested in securing that right and privilege of self-determination than the eventual outcome (independence or no). Hence when unionists try to block or suppress the demand for referendum, they alienate a group that is way bigger than those who actually want independence.
Posted on: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 11:27:49 +0000
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