Lessons from Spain: more focus on young voters needed and people should be informed to become convinced. Results of a post-referendum Eurobarometer in Spain
The study has shown that almost 3 out of 4 young people in Spain abstained. It also demonstrated the relationship between lack of information and low turnout. The most important reason why Spaniards voted in favour, was to express their support for the European Union in general, the positive opinion about the Constitution text was the reason for 1 out of 4 people.
Commenting on the results of the survey, Margot Wallström, Vice President of the Commission responsible for Institutional Relations and Communication Strategy, said: “It is worrying that so few young people in Spain took an interest to participate in deciding the future shape of the European Union. Much more needs to be done to mobilise young people to interest them in European issues. Secondly, sufficient information – provided in a timely and sustainable manner - is a key to convince people to go out and vote.”
Background:
The Spanish referendum on the European Constitution took place on 20 February 2005. It resulted in a turnout of 42.32% and the support of almost 8 out of 10 voters (76.72 %). A post-referendum Eurobarometer study amongst the Spanish population tried to figure out the factors why voters abstained and why they voted either in favour of the European Constitution or against.
The main findings of the survey are the following:
Turnout:
Absenteeism reached a worrying level – 73% among the youngest section of the electorate (age group 18-24). This contrasts with the group 55+, where 59% took part. The latter is a generation of people, who enthusiastically embraced the democratic transition and integration into Europe. Among the reasons for abstention, over 40% of abstainers blamed insufficient information on Europe and the Constitution, probably as a result of a rather short campaign. The study also suggests that the level of information on the Constitution has played an important role in the mobilisation of voters.
Reasons behind the vote: 33% of people voted on the basis of their overall opinion regarding the EU, 26 % because of their opinion on the Constitution. A very large majority of the respondents (89%) believe that the Constitution would make Spain stronger in the EU (despite concerns expressed beforehand about the system of voting in the Council), a similar proportion (88%) believe that it would strengthen democracy in the Union.
Impact on future referenda: almost 6 out of 10 people (58%) believe that the Spanish result will lead that rest of the countries that will hold a similar referendum to vote “yes”.
Technical note:
Flash Eurobarometer 168 was carried out by telephone on 21-22 February 2005 by EOS Gallup Europe/TNS Demoscopia, among a sample of 2014 Spaniards aged 18 and over and eligible to vote.
Full report: http://europa.eu.int/comm/public_opinion
EuroAtlantic Club: http://www.europe.org.ro/euroatlantic_club/
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Birou de traduceri autorizate. Oana Gheorghiu - tel/fax: 252.8681 / [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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