The electoral commission overseeing the process for the election of Labour Party leader has written to all those showing an interest in contesting the election, ordering them not to give comments to the press, or face disqualification once nominations open.

The letter, signed by Joe Falzon, chairman of the commission, is dated April 1 but is being taken seriously by the candidates.

In it, Mr Falzon says he has been asked by the chairmen of the MLP Vigilance and Disciplinary Board and the Appeals Board to tell those who are showing an interest in the election not to give comments to the press.

The position contradicts a previous unanimous decision by the same commission not to stop any of the candidates from giving interviews and comes after three of the main contenders, Joseph Muscat, Michael Falzon and Evarist Bartolo already announced their intentions and were given extensive media coverage.

Former deputy leader George Abela, who has indicated he may contest the election, publicly protested over the order, saying that it would amount to an advantage to candidates who have already declared their candidature.

Another contender Marie Louise Coleiro Preca said she would still go ahead with her announced press conference tomorrow (Friday), in which she will officially launch her candidacy.

“I cleared the matter with the commission,” she said when contacted. “So far I have not confirmed my interest in the leadership race in a definitive way, there has only been speculation so far so the directive does not apply to me. I will declare that interest tomorrow (Friday) after which I will then be bound by the commission’s decision."

None of the other candidates appeared to favour the idea of the media ban. Deputy leader Michael Falzon said he disagreed, but said that he is prepared to abide by “any decision that the party takes”.

“It’s not a final decision yet... I agree that there should be some rules which ensure fairness,” he said.

Similarly, Joseph Muscat said he felt all candidates should be allowed to express their views freely on any media, while adding. “I trust that each and everyone of the candidates wants the best for the party,” adding like Dr Falzon that he would abide by the rules laid down by the responsible bodies.

Mr Bartolo was more cautious, saying that he would wait for the commission to issue the terms of reference and react after that.

Meanwhile, Dr Abela has also complained that the MLP electora; commission is considering whether to declare that he cannot contest the election because he is not a party delegate.

He said there had been no such objections when he stood for deputy leader in 1992.

Dr Abela said he will announce his decision on whether or not to contest the election at the appropriate time, but he is calling for a level playing field for all the candidates.