'Significant' results for AD

Alternattiva Demokratika yesterday expressed "satisfaction" at the results it obtained in the local council elections, where, it said, it polled an average of 6.6 per cent of first-count votes in the seven places it contested.

The average increased slightly from the elections three years ago (6.1 per cent), and was calculated over the seven localities contested and not the 22, where local elections were held.

AD had a councillor elected in Attard, making a comeback there, and another in Swieqi, giving them four in all throughout Malta and Gozo. The results confirmed that "we are the voice of a significant part of the electorate that feels the need for serious, deeply committed and honest politics", said AD chairperson Harry Vassallo, adding that the Green Party would "continue building on what it gained in these elections".

Dr Vassallo said AD polled almost 10 per cent of the first-count votes in Swieqi and Attard, and 3.6 per cent of the votes cast in Paola, where it contested for the first time.

Its work in Swieqi was rewarded, despite the significant drop in voter turnout, he pointed out, expressing his pleasure with regard to AD's return to Attard.

AD was particularly pleased with its "exceptional" result in Munxar - a new locality for the party - where it polled about 12 per cent of the first-count votes and missed electing a third candidate by just two votes.

"The result means a firm commitment towards the Munxar residents, who showed they understood our message and that we should continue working on it," he said, adding that work would be carried out even where candidates were not elected.

"We had significant results even where no candidates were elected - the start of a presence that is very important. The hundreds of people who voted for us in these districts would not be neglected," he said of AD's "sacred commitment".

Dr Vassallo said the biggest party was, indeed, that of the non-voters, and AD's presence, which was constantly growing, was becoming more significant for this section.

"All those who choose not to vote can now realise that they are the most significant electoral factor and that their support of AD can bring about a profound and permanent change in Maltese politics.

"One vote could make a crucial difference, let alone the 900 votes that were not collected in Swieqi, for example." To these, Dr Vassallo said they could "truly bring about a deep, serious and calm change in Maltese politics with their vote".

"Until we have access to media like the other parties, we have to work on a focused campaign, with a tailor-made strategy, going where others cannot reach us," Dr Vassallo said.

AD was a political force to be reckoned with, and its presence would continue to bear fruit, he said.