New Zealanders vote for euthanasia, against legalization of cannabis

Despite the vote of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, the referendum of October 17, 2020 could see, according to first estimates, the rejection of the legalization of cannabis.

AP Photo / Mark Baker

Text by: RFI Follow

3 min

New Zealanders voted overwhelmingly in favor of legalizing euthanasia, according to preliminary results of the referendum on the subject this Friday, October 30, as another ballot on the authorization of recreational cannabis leaned towards 'no'.

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The two referendums took place on October 17, on the sidelines of the general elections which saw the re-election of Prime Minister

by an overwhelming majority.

Initial figures show that 65.2% of voters support euthanasia, while 53.1% of them say they are opposed to legalizing recreational marijuana.

These figures do not include special votes, which include ballots taken abroad.

They represent nearly 20% of the electorate and could be a game-changer for the cannabis poll.

The overwhelming support for the legalization of euthanasia, however, should not be denied when the final results are published next Friday.

The result of the vote on euthanasia will be binding, but not the one on cannabis.

Euthanisy law in force in November 2021

Legislation allowing medically assisted death was passed in parliament last year.

But lawmakers have delayed its implementation until the public can give its opinion through a referendum.

In accordance with this law, a sane adult suffering from an incurable disease capable of causing death within six months and whose suffering is " 

 " may request a lethal drug dose.

The request must be signed by the patient's doctor and an independent doctor, with a psychiatrist to be consulted if there is any doubt as to the person's ability to make this conscious decision.

Justice Minister Andrew Little said the law would come into force in November 2021. It was backed by the

Prime Minister

.

Jacinda Ardern said she reluctantly agreed to a referendum last year because it was the only way to move the legislation forward.

The head of government has been deceptively modest about her views on recreational cannabis use, even though the 40-year-old leader has finally admitted to having smoked marijuana " 

 ."

Jacinda Ardern's advisers confirmed on Friday that she had voted "yes" in both referendums.

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