CATALUNYA'S residents are being urged to go to the polls as planned on November 9 – whether the central government blocks a public consultation or not.
Carme Forcadell, head of the National Catalunya Assembly, has threatened to take legal action against the Spanish State for curtailing the region's right to freedom of speech.
Given that a referendum would be illegal without the backing of the central government, Catalunya wants to hold a 'common vote' – effectively, a public opinion poll – to find out what residents there and natives living elsewhere want in terms of independence.
But various central government bodies have blocked even this, saying it is illegal.
It is still not known officially what will happen, if anything, on November 9.
Sra Forcadell is confident, however, that she does know what will happen.
“Whatever happens, we're all going to vote,” the ANC leader stated.
“They appeal against it? Everyone, go and vote. They don't appeal? Everyone, go and vote, ballot in hand. We're going to take legal action against the State, because they're curtailing our freedom of expression.”
The aim, says Sra Forcadell, is for long queues to form at the polling stations to show the central government that 'in the face of their attacks on democracy', the people will respond with 'even more democracy' by casting their ballots.
“We're holding a public consultation against the wishes of the State, but that's because what they want is for the people of Catalunya not to be allowed to have an opinion – going out to vote is a public protest against an oppressive, dictatorial régime where speaking out is limited or even forbidden,” Sra Forcadell continues.
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