Government's Independence referendum plans at a news conference today.

Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade is to set out how he will encourage his supporters to respond to a referendum on Independence expected in July.

The Independence Referendum Act 1995, narrowly approved by the House of Assembly in March, was approved yesterday by the Senate. Royal assent from Governor Lord Waddington is expected shortly.

The PLP has consistently opposed deciding the issue by referendum, instead insisting on a general election around the Independence issue.

Today, Mr. Wade was expected to reaffirm that position. Whether he would recommend a straightforward boycott or some other form of protest was unclear yesterday.

Some observers believed Mr. Wade would call on party members to express support for Independence but opposition to a referendum by spoiling their ballots or by "abstaining''.

The party has called a 12.30 p.m. news conference at Alaska Hall. For the referendum to be decided in favour of Independence, a simple majority of votes cast in favour would not be sufficient. Under the Independence Referendum Act, a full 40 percent of all eligible voters would have to vote in favour.

That means the PLP could doom any chance of a yes vote, if supporters heed a call from the party leadership.

The most recent opinion poll conducted for The Royal Gazette early in 1994 showed 59 percent of Bermudians opposed Independence, 26 percent were in favour and 16 percent were undecided.