The UBP Government appears to be advocating, at least in the Senate, that Independence should be decided by a simple majority of those voting in a referendum, not a majority of the adult population or a majority of those registered to vote but a simple majority of those voting no matter how few choose to vote.

Delays have arisen because Independent Senator Alf Oughton wanted to insert the phrase, "The result of the referendum shall be determined by a vote of the majority of persons entitled to vote in the referendum.'' Government Senators said the wording of this amendment was unclear. It does not seem to us that it would be unclear to the average reader of this newspaper.

Senator Oughton said that he wanted to ensure that any move toward or against Independence reflected the wishes of more than 50 percent of the people on the electoral roll. This newspaper has advocated exactly that for some time now.

According to the UBP's wishes, a very small number of registered voters could turn out for a referendum, just as a small number turned out for the capital punishment referendum, and decide on Independence for Bermuda. This newspaper thinks that the United Kingdom Government would be most unlikely to agree to Independence for Bermuda if the decision was taken by a majority of a smallish number of the registered voters.

Surely when we have the referendum, as it seems certain we will, Government needs to safeguard against chaos. Any number of things could keep people away from the polls and the Progressive Labour Party has already suggested it might boycott a referendum. Surely we could not move to Independence or reject Independence with the PLP not voting.

It seems to us that it would be foolish for Bermuda to think about Independence if less than half of the registered voters were in favour.

Senators have suggested that some people express their feelings by not voting.

We think that is true but that it is considered by recognising those people who do not register to vote. We are calling for a majority of those registered.

It has to interest us that the UBP now seems to support that Independence might be acceptable if a majority of those voting agreed.

However in 1988 Sir John Swan said: "The Government reaffirms its commitment that there will be no move to Independence without the express wish of the majority of the Bermudian people.'' In 1979 Sir John's predecessor Sir David Gibbons said: "It would be morally wrong to take Bermuda into Independence without a clear indication that a majority of Bermudians support it.'' Perhaps the UBP would like to tell the people why it has moved to a position which could result in total shambles.