Since the first YouthQuake forum organised by the Workers’ Party Youth Wing (WPYW), the issue of lowering the voting age to 18 has been one that is being discussed frequently amongst the WPYW. The first YouthQuake forum triggered some discussions online and in the newspaers, and even a Parliamentary question was raised, but as usual, it was easily dismissed with a not-so-convincing argument.
When the electoral reforms like increasing the number of NCMPs, and the addition of the Cooling Off Day were announced a few months ago, the WPYW ExCo were thinking – this will be a good time to bring the issue up again, since the lowering of voting age is also closely related to electoral reforms. We went about planning for street surveys to gather the thoughts of people on the issue, and also plan to carry out a number of petition signing public outreach to gather support for this.
However, one obstacle we meet along the way is that we realised that what we are planning could possibly require a police permit or some sort of license under the Public Order Act, since a gathering or assembly to demonstrate support for or opposition to the views or actions of any person, group of persons or any government or to publicise a cause or campaign falls under the Act.
Not wanting to take chances, I have gathered our planning documents and just wrote an email to the Police Licensing Division minutes ago to enquire on the matter, as President of WPYW. Hope that I have a favourable reply soon and clear indications the next steps we can take.
Keeping my fingers crossed…. 