Discussions address identification and conditions for a free campaign. Freedom of expression, assembly, the press and movement are political safeguards for the vote, rather than technical details.
Procedural progress does not remove disagreements over the electorate and appeals. The referendum remains blocked. Later compromises will attempt to overcome the impasse by combining transitional self-government with a decision on final status. This episode shows why failure cannot be reduced to a practical inability to hold a vote: acceptance of its rules and consequences is central.