IntroductionJohn Vizcaino/ReutersA pact to end a 50-year war between the Colombian government and rebels was expected to have broad support. But on Sunday its ratification was narrowly defeated in a referendum in which only 40 percent of voters went to the polls. Experts said it would be disastrous if Britain left the European Union, but in a June referendum, Brexit was narrowly passed. On issues that are vital to a nation, should governments let decisions be made by referendum?

Source: New York Times October 05, 2016 15:26 UTC