It was the first ever, democratic process taking place anywhere in the world where people were to decide what their flag should look like. Now that the mandate is out it is time for us to put to some of the speculations and accusations around the flag referendum to rest as well.
There have been various theories that have been floated about the flag referendum, which does no justice and nor does it respect the democratic opinion and the pluralistic ideas in our society. Calling this referendum a brainchild of one person and trying to associate it with a person’s intended legacy is questioning the wisdom of nearly 43% of the voters who wanted a change in flag.
This referendum was a once in a lifetime opportunity, which polarized the people of this country on a long pending political and emotional issue that allowed them to take a strong stand. It paved the way to rest the issue with dignity, which has been hovering around us for a long time now.
While there have been many sets of teeth clenched on the 26 million dollars spent, one needs to look at the positive aspects that the entire process has brought out too. The flag referendum was definitely not flawed and the testament to that is the strong 9,00,000 votes that the new flag received. To see the Lockwood flag still flying on the houses, vehicles, etc even after many days of result coming out makes a statement in itself.
One also needs to understand that the entire process transpired only because there was a general discontentment regarding the existing flag amongst some major sections in the society. To blame it on the current government and specifically, John Key would serve no purpose. One should actually congratulate John Key from playing a pivotal role in bringing the issue out for open debate and resting it, once for all.
Finally, it is also important to note that though some people were reluctant to take a stand on the matter initially, eventually joined the national debate. Proof for that would be the major increase in percentage of people voting at different phases of voting during the whole process. While the first referendum to pick the alternate design saw 49% of the registered voters taking part, 67.3% took part in the Final referendum.
If anything, this referendum has only increased the value and the standing of the flag. Though the flag remains same after the referendum, it now has the stamp of being a first democratically elected flag in the world making it much stronger and bolder than before.
