AD fields seven candidates

Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Harry Vassallo yesterday appealed to people to do their duty and vote at the local council elections next month.

Speaking at a press conference at which the party presented its seven candidates for the elections, Dr Vassallo complained that the two main parties were turning the annual local elections "into some sort of second-class general election.

"It is this abuse and nonsensical exploitation of local politics which truly angers many people and makes them wish for the exclusion of poli-tical parties from local elections.

"We encourage all those who want to protest against this abuse to collect their voting documents and to vote for the green candidates in these localities to express their wish for less partisan pique especially in local governments," he said.

He also urged voters to use their right and vote for deserving candidates from all parties.

"Especially in local council elections, we should strike a blow against blind partisanship and choose the best candidates regardless of party affiliation. Cross-party voting is the only way left for Maltese citizens to tell political parties that they have had enough of pique and partisanship."

Dr Vassallo said although AD has always contested every district in general elections since 1992, it has become a tradition for the party not to contest all local council elections. He said this was done to ensure that the candidates were "of the highest standard and have the highest commitment to those who support them".

The party is contesting local council elections on seven localities through court marshal Michael Bajada in Munxar, self-employed Martin Brincat in Paola, civil servant Simon Galea in Mosta, teacher Carmel Hili in Gzira, industrial chemist Ralph Cassar in Attard, photographer Rene Rossignaud in Swieqi, and teacher Saviour Sammut in Safi.