The most common criticism of Cameron’s negotiating is that he has caved in over extending the franchise to 16-year-olds. However, the final deal means that only those on the existing register, and so nearing their 17th birthday, will qualify to vote. Ministers also insist that it will not set a precedent for general elections. They accept that there is a principle at stake, but argue that the concession was worth it, because of Salmond’s more significant climbdown on the number of questions. They are also confident that lowering the voting age will not benefit the SNP’s cause.
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