Spring Hunting Out (Shout) activists this morning gathered in Birkirkara to urge voters take part in the April 11 referendum, saying this would be a “real test for democracy”.

During a news conference, spokeswoman Moira Delia said the decision was not only about birds but about giving the right to the people to have their say.

“This is not only about birds, it is about democracy and people being empowered to decide. We need to understand that this is a unique chance for the Maltese and Gozitans to decide for themselves.The younger people are on our side but they must go out and vote.”

She also urged residents in localities where there were no council elections to vote.

Asked by Times of Malta whether they felt that the Prime Minister’s comments made last Sunday were aimed at giving an advantage to the hunting lobby, Shout spokesman Saviour Balzan replied that the issue should not be turned to a political football.

The event was held in front of the St Helen Basilica, where earlier in this campaign Shout activists had been verbally abused.