The Times asked the four main parties contesting the election what they believe are the three principal criteria a voter should keep in mind when deciding which party to vote for.
The Nationalist Party thinks voters should...
Bear in mind that they are determining their future and that of the country. Voters are not just choosing between parties but determining their future and their family's. The kind of country they want to live in is at stake.
Choose on the basis of the party's vision and political programme. Evaluate the vision of the party on various issues such as education, health, tourism, manufacturing and related services, ICT and financial services.
Evaluate leadership qualities that are needed to run the country. Voters are called upon to answer a very straightforward question: Who is best placed to lead the country in the face of the challenges ahead and which party is best placed to bring about prosperity and peace of mind?
The Malta Labour Party...
Vote for that party which they believe is telling the truth. Voters should vote for that party they believe will deliver what it is promising in its electoral manifesto.
Vote for change in the interest of the country. The first four to five years of all governments are those years that are mostly geared to the national interest. It is high time for a change and this will be in the national interest.
Ensure that the interest of the whole population is a priority to the party. Voters should ensure that the party they vote for has the whole population at heart and will not translate into a government for the few rather than for the many.
Alternattiva Demokratika...
Keep in mind whether or not they want to see fundamental change. As voters weigh the positions taken by the parties on topical issues, there remains the question of structural change - a change of the system itself. This is the foundation of politics and outweighs all other issues.
Seek various qualities in parties and candidates. There are many qualities to be sought within parties and candidates. But traits such as honesty, integrity, commitment and consistency should be crucial.
Evaluate the contribution to political debate. Voters are to question: What will the candidate/party add to the debate in Parliament and to the mix of talents and ideas? What new ideas will the candidate/party introduce?
Azzjoni Nazzjonali...
Put country before party. This means that issues are of more importance than parties. There is more to an election than putting in office the party you traditionally support.
Fully understand the policies put forward by all parties. In a democracy, ensuring that each citizen knows how to use his vote in the best interests of his country means that all organised political opinion should have the chance to make its voice heard in equal measure.
Observe the ethical dimension of politics. They should be aware that politics should exclude deliberately misleading voters by either promising false dawns or painting opponents as the devil incarnate. Elections should not constitute a form of a bloodless civil war.