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.