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Voters had the opportunity to make significant changes to New Zealand’s laws when they were asked two “yes” or “no” questions during the parliamentary elections on 17 October, one on euthanasia and the other on marijuana.
According to preliminary results, the legalization of euthanasia is supported with 65.2% of voters voting in favor. The result of the euthanasia referendum is binding, so a law must be passed within 12 months that will allow an terminally ill person to demand the termination of his life.
The two doctors will have to agree that the patient is well informed and other legal criteria will have to be met. Only an terminally ill person with less than six months left to live will be eligible for euthanasia. ACT leader David Seimur, who had submitted the bill to parliament, thanked its supporters in a short speech. He said the euthanasia law would make New Zealand a “nicer, more compassionate, more humane” society.
In the referendum on the legalization of marijuana, the preliminary result was closer to a tie and is subject to change. According to this result, 53.1% of voters voted against legalization, but by 46.1%.
The difference between the ‘yes’ and’ no ‘votes was only 167,333. There are still 480,000’ ‘special votes’ cast in previous, foreign or telephone votes. but Justice Minister Andrew Littles considers such a possibility unlikely.
The marijuana legalization bill provides for the purchase and use of marijuana for recreational purposes by people at least 20 years of age, limited options for growing it at home, and the introduction of public education programs, as well as regulations and restrictions on commercial supply.
The official results of both referendums and parliamentary elections will be confirmed on 6 November.
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