Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party notes that Malta has been slammed by the EU for its lack of respect of voters’ basic rights.
Prof. Arnold Cassola, Alternattiva Demokratika Spokesperson on EU and International Affairs, stated: “In its draft report entitled EU CITIZENSHIP REPORT 2010 “Dismantling the obstacles to EU citizens’ rights” [1], the Maltese present and past authorities have been included amongst those countries that put spokes in the wheels of their nationals when it comes to voting at elections. The report states that, according to Maltese legislation, the nationals of Malta are disenfranchised if they live in another Member State for a certain period of time. It is about time that the horrendous practice of the parties led by Dr Gonzi and Dr Muscat of trying to strike off the electoral register the “supporters” of rival political parties when abroad for a certain time, ends immediately”.
Prof. Cassola added: “The shameful manipulation of Maltese electoral laws also targets EU residents in Malta. The Commission has noted that Malta, amongst other member states, appears not to adequately inform EU citizens who live in our country of their right to vote and stand as candidates in European Parliament elections. In fact, according to this draft report, when registering citizens on the electoral roll, Malta is requiring EU nationals coming from other Member States to fulfil conditions which prevent them from exercising voting rights under the same conditions as Maltese citizens (possession of a national identity card, obligation to renew registration for each European election, etc). Whilst citing the case of Ruta, a Lithuanian living in Malta, who wants to vote for Maltese candidates in the
European elections but is refused this right because she does not possess a Maltese identity card, as required by domestic legislation, the report clearly states that such conditions seem to be contrary to EU law”.
Prof. Cassola concluded: “It is time for a strong shift in the fossilized mentality of certain Maltese politicians. Elections should be won by serious political arguments and not by the sneaky measures undertaken till now by the PN and the PL and their respective leaders”.
In the meantime, Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson said that the Green Party has set up a group which is ready to participate actively in any discussions regarding party financing. The group is made up of Carmel Cacopardo and Prof. Arnold Cassola, with Ralph Cassar as a substitute member.
1: EU CITIZENSHIP REPORT 2010: Dismantling the obstacles to EU citizens’ rights: http://ec.europa.eu/justice/policies/citizenship/docs/com_2010_603_en.pdf
