It is not up to Colombian President Álvaro Uribe to cancel the referendum about his possible re-election. Only the committee that organized the popular vote can withdraw the proposal, says Congress President Hernán Andrade.
Uribe had signalled Wednesday that he prefers the referendum to be skipped if it proves to be an obstacle for a quick ratification of his proposed judicial and political reforms.
“That’s up to the primary constituent, in this case those who signed the referendum. The President has the power to ask for emergency treatment of some subjects, but that doesn’t mean the referendum depends on his preference,” Andrade responded.
“For me the referendum can not be removed, because the owner of that right are the five million people who signed, the President of Congress added.
