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Civil society groups have called for an urgent resolution of the matter, with a section of religious leaders saying the stand-off was "hurting the dignity of our country".

It’s a basic principle of civil society that the increased power given to law enforcement officials is balanced by increased oversight, because the one without the other presents an almost irresistible temptation for abuse.

“A president who wants to be bound by no law or Constitution is perpetuating a unified assault on American traditions. ... He’s declared a war—on culture, on history, on science, on knowledge itself. . .He’s delegitimizing news organizations and assaulting the First Amendment, threatening to defund them. He’s dictating what universities can teach. He’s targeting law firms and the judicial branch— foundations of an orderly and civil society.”

This is an attack on our sovereignty and our civil society.

The referendum was initiated by a citizens' initiative and supported by civil society groups and trade unions, all of whom campaigned for the Yes vote.