The Maltese electoral system, which permits the transferability of votes from one party to another, provides the necessary mechanisms through which third parties like Alternattiva Demokratika can be elected in parliament.
In 1921, when our electoral system was first put to the test, the Malta Labour Party, still a small emerging party, succeeded in breaking the mould of a duopoly composed of anglophiles and pro-Italians.
In Ireland, where the same electoral system operates, seven political parties are represented in parliament. This disproves the myth that our electoral system makes it impossible for a third party to get elected in parliament.
If the Irish can elect seven parties with the same system, why cannot the Maltese elect three parties instead of two? Cross-party voting is a democratic right, which the Maltese and Gozitans can use for their own benefit.
In the present political situation, when the electorate is being called to ratify the results of a democratic referendum in a general election, the election of Alternattiva Demokratika in parliament might prove vital for the confirmation of the yes result.
Due to the 1996 constitutional amendment, in the absence of a third party in parliament, one of the two traditional parties might win this election on the basis of a relative majority.
The Labour Party is committed not to respect the results of the March 8 referendum. The bogus nature of the MLP's referendum proposal was exposed by Alfred Sant's declaration that he would not be signing the EU treaty in Athens.
In the scenario of a relative majority for this party, only a Green seat in parliament will ensure that an absolute majority for the two yes parties is translated into a parliamentary majority for a pro-EU coalition.
It is also clear that under the inclusive leadership of Harry Vassallo, the number of AD supporters has increased. These will join thousands of other voters who for the past three elections have given their first preference to AD.
There are also many people, who might not give their number one to AD but who are more than willing to give their second preference to AD.
It is of vital importance that enough number two votes are transferred to AD to ensure that a Green MP gets elected in parliament.
Pro-EU voters who opt to give their first preference vote to another party should also give their second preference to the Green party's candidates because a second preference vote for AD serves as a double insurance through which EU membership is safeguarded.
In the case that the anti-EU party wins a relative majority, the only way to assure a victory of the absolute majority of the two yes parties is through the election of a Green MP.
It is also clear that a significant part of the Maltese electorate wants change. The present Nationalist government has well passed its expiry date.
Fifteen years in government is a very long time. On the other hand, opting for the Labour Party is not an option for the rational and sane middle of the road voter.
The scene made by Alfred Sant in Ta' Qali is a stern warning on the dangers posed by the MLP leadership. The MLP's attempt to disenfranchise Arnold Cassola is another example of the anti-democratic character of the MLP leadership.
Dr Sant's promise of a two-month tax holiday exposes a complete lack of national and fiscal responsibility.
Giving the first or second preference to AD offers the prospect of a safe change for sane, middle of the road and social democratic voters who want a breath of fresh air without risking European Union membership and democracy.
The election of three Green local councillors demonstrates that AD is a viable option for the electorate.
AD will give a backbone to Malta's first post-EU government to implement and enforce EU regulations.
Mr Debono is media officer of Alternattiva Demokratika