UPDATED: MLP lifts media ban on leadership candidates
(Adds comment by George Abela)
A media ban imposed on those who had indicated their intention to contest the MLP leadership election has been lifted, one of the candidates, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, said this morning. George Abela, who still has to officially declare his leadership bid, said when contacted he had no knowledge that the ban had been lifted.
Ms Coleiro-Preca officially declared herself a candidate for the election to succeed Alfred Sant during a press conference and explained that after having phoned the chairman of the MLP electoral commission last night, she was told that the media ban had been lifted.
At her press conference Ms Coleiro-Preca insisted that the MLP needed to reinforce its social-democratic credentials. One of the problems at the last election, she said, was that the people had not seen enough of a difference between the MLP and the PN.
She said that a feature of her years in politics was that she had always been close to the people, and that was what she would like the MLP to be under her leadership.
When she was questioned on the media ban, Ms Coleiro Preca said she had disagreed with in, not only because candidates could not be expected to personally talk to each of the 900 MLP delegates, but also because the people at large had every interest to know more about the leadership contenders.
She said the MLP needed to improve the way it projected itself, including making better use of technology.
Ms Coleiro-Preca has become the fourth person to officially declare a leadership bid.
The other declared candidates are Joseph Muscat, Michael Falzon and Evarist Bartolo.
Ms Coleiro-Preca has been an MP since 1998 and was the party spokesman on social affairs in the last legislature.
She has a long history of political activity and was general secretary of the Labour Party for nine years from 1982.
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James De GIorgio
Apr 6th 2008, 13:14
One of the problems at the last election, she said, was that the people had not seen enough of a difference between the MLP and the PN.
ARE YOU KIDDING US??
Thank God the PN are by far the better party or else this country has long went to the dogs had it been in the same calibre as the MLP.
john hili
Apr 6th 2008, 12:06
One piece of advice to all leadership contestants. Gratitude is lacking in the Labour party. Before the party starts showing gratitude to Mr Mintoff for his lifetime efforts to bring 'Malta l-ewwel u qabel kollox', the lost sheep will be casting their votes to anyone except MLP.
Randolph Bugeja
Apr 6th 2008, 09:57
has MLP actually confirmed that the media ban has been lifted? how can a party impose a media ban and then not mention that it has been lifted?
looks like it's going to be a repeat of the Alfred Sant / Lino Spiteri saga again...
so much democratic credentials!
Gerard Mangion
Apr 5th 2008, 18:53
I would like to hear a Confirmation, from One T.V that the mlp REALLY lifted its BAN on the leadership candidates on the Media. hope its not another Misprint, at least Dr Gorge Abela deserves this right and the other candidates too. U mela Silenzju Stampa !
Christina Borg
Apr 5th 2008, 17:17
We should all be more understanding ... Media ban was a misprint.
c.busuttil
Apr 5th 2008, 13:04
To who wants to listen;
For the people who have a free choice in elections (and therefore eliminating die hards on both sides) THE MLP SO FAR HAVE BEEN TOO DIFFERENT FROM THE PN and floaters will not vote for a party which is so different that it will break what has been built and not continue to build on it. The choice of the free voters will only be MLP if we see continuity
JOHN SCERRI
Apr 5th 2008, 12:01
Dear Edward Mifsud : I had a misprint with the second amendment date - you're right it is 2003. Thanks for correcting. much appreciated.
As for PN being jolly or not, I would assume winning yet another 5 year mandate is not something to cry about.
As for the votes : I totally agree with Charles that what really counts is the peoples' vote.
PN have 49% MLP have 48% the rest have the remaining 3% - just to round up figures.
Logically speaking a total of
51 % of those who cast their vote in this election were against PN .
With the same reasoning a total of 52 % were against MLP .
The electoral Law being as it is today needs a 4th amendment.
I agree that all valid votes cast should in some form have a value .
In 1981 this was not so and the law was rightfully amended.
As for today the best thing MLP and PN would agree upon on the 4th amendment is for it to cater for all the votes of smaller parties to have a parliamentary seat if they acquire enough first count votes for a quota.
Maria Dolores Fenech
Apr 5th 2008, 09:37
This is how both parties work: the MLP impose a media ban on leadership hopefuls but listens to reason and lift the ban. At first the PN argues that the ban is not fair to all candidates and should be lifted, and when it is, the PN says that it is yet another MLP U-turn (bhal tal-glekk jghidu)!
I totally agree with Mr Buttigieg that the time has come for the board of vigilance and discipline to cease and something in the form of Ombudsman to take its place. The MLP has to update its Statute but not change its principles, that of being Social-democratic.
Charles J Buttigieg
Apr 5th 2008, 00:29
Constitutional amendments do not change my figures. The Figures denotes votes not seats hence people's actual support to the two parties. Figures can not be disputed.
John Simpson
Apr 4th 2008, 22:08
Good luck Marie Louise to you and all the others. I hope that when the election for the leader is over everyone will work for the party. (ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL).
Mr Bill Millon, Before you bury the MLP forever you have to bury 48.79% of the population that voted against corruption in which this government seems to be incompetent to control.
Edward Mifsud
Apr 4th 2008, 21:54
I do not mean to instruct anyone here, but neither J Scerri is being accurate about the electoral reforms.
1st constitutional amendment was the 50+1 of 1987.
2nd amendment was that of 2003 allowing the party with a relative majority to govern unless a 3rd party is elected. In fact, this came into effect for the first time in this year's election.
3rd amendment was that of 2007 providing for a proportionate number of seats reflecting votes obtained, again unless a 3rd party is elected. This meant that the difference in seats in parliament reflects the difference in votes between the parties.
However, the point remains that the PN is in power with less than 50+ of the vote and they cannot be so jolly about it either.
Wistin Schembri
Apr 4th 2008, 21:08
Charles J Buttigieg,
Please quote the correct figures correctly and give the correct picture (eg when you compare 1981 with 2008).
JOHN SCERRI
Apr 4th 2008, 20:55
Mr Charles Buttigieg.
The list you presented to Annie is a half truth.
Up to 1981 the electoral law stated that the party having the majority of seats wins.
After 1981 the electoral law was changed by a first amendment to state that whoever gets absolute majority will be allocated majority of seats - this was done to eliminate gerrymandering of electoral districts.
The second amendment in the electoral law passed in 2007 catered for the party out of 2 obtaining a relative majority to be given a relative majority of seats.
You did not compare like with like and you misguided Annie Borg.
Next time get your facts right please.
What you should have included was that in 1981 PN had 50%+ votes and went to opposition .
eric saliba
Apr 4th 2008, 20:16
to charles demicoli....oh i do beg forgiveness!! i was not aware that if i answer to millam's hateful comments regarding the labour party i'd be criticising the USA. come off it!!
Charles DeMicoli
Apr 4th 2008, 19:00
Dear Eric Saliba, as a diehard MLP supporter, I'm ashamed of people with your point of view, as I'm sure the gonzipn (or did they revert back to PN) are ashamed of guys like Bill Millam. Do not think that by criticizing the US you're going to make any point valid. Look at the direction Maltese politics are taking: they resemble our process more and more. Pretty soon the saga of Hillary-Barrack will be over, and we'll be entertained with our own primary election for party leader.
Edward Mifsud
Apr 4th 2008, 18:58
In 1996 Labour won and the PN decreased its votes. In 2008 the PN decreased its votes again and held to power without a 50+ majority. The MLP and PN have practically equal electoral strength.
Who can possibly predict what will happen come next election?
Labour can win, as it did in 1996, with a new leader and the necessary changes. Pre-1996 situation was much tougher than it is today, but the party was revamped bacause it had the courage to change. The same is needed now.
eric saliba
Apr 4th 2008, 18:49
to R Lauri.....phil noble was contracted and did not volunteer his opinions on how to win the 1996 elections. a far cry from mr millam's spewing hatred against the labour party.
david wain states that millam and myself would be buddies were it not for the fact that we're sitting on opposite side of the political fence. excuse me but, even with my closest friends, i would be very considerate with my 'advice' and only give it if i'm asked.
btw...i don't see any of you guys 'advising' dr gonzi how to sort out the JPO affair. i wonder why !!
Charles J Buttigieg
Apr 4th 2008, 18:28
Anne Borg,if you are too young to remember get the recent political history book out and amuse yourself with the following.
In 1971 Labour won with 50% +
In 1976............................50% +
In 1981...........................49%
In 1998 PN won with 50% +
In 2003..................... 50% +
In 2008.....................49%
Figures to ponder upon don't you think?
Albert Farrugia
Apr 4th 2008, 18:09
Ms Coleiro Preca's candidacy is VERY great news! One: She spoke on the need that the electorate sees a difference between the MLP and the PN. Contrary to what many Cassandras are saying, the MLP should NOT become as similar to the PN as possible. NO WAY. Within the limits of aspects of policy over which we now have national consensus (EU membership, free market, free trade, etc), the MLP needs to make itself as DIFFERENT AS POSSIBLE from the PN.
The MLP needs once more to become a party of firsts. This had unfortunaltely ceased to be so since 1979. And that's a very long time. Imagine: the Malta's first female PM being a Labour politician. Wonderful. What a powerful sign that would be.
And, another first please. The MLP should allow its MEMBERSHIP to vote, maybe even in some indirect way.
So soon after the elections, and one can be proud to be Labour again.
Wistin Schembri
Apr 4th 2008, 17:35
Interesting.
The news that a media ban on the candidates has been lifted is announced by a candidate.
Where is the MLP Secretary General or the Electoral Commission Persident or at least the Bord tal-Vigilanza u Dixxiplina.
What a mess! It must be MLP.
Annie Borg
Apr 4th 2008, 17:17
Dear Charles J...again you are counting your chickens before they hatch!! Does Labour ever learn from its mistakes?? It will be about time in 2013 to get a majority, the first one since 1976, excluding 1996! However, Mr Charles J, once again, keep cool and relaxed. PN might win again.
Joseph Grech-Attard
Apr 4th 2008, 17:12
How very true Mr. Paul Vella. Let MLP continue to make progress by changing the old-fashioned way of doing politics. MLP started with mass meetings when our adversies used to 'rally' in cinemas, made Malta a social-democratic country by introducing an innumerable amount of social services, changed the electoral process, made the island a republic, giving it a decent constitution, etc, etc etc. And all this without bloodshed. Why not now show our adversaries a new way of choosing a new leader, and surely not copying their example by meeting secretly at night!
R. Laudi
Apr 4th 2008, 16:46
Dear Eric Saliba,
Maybe you don't know exactly the past of your own party. Before the election of 1996 the MLP has contracted a political expert from the US (who is now in Barack Obama's team). This person gave the advice to be very negative. And that is exactly what MLP did for the past 12 years.
The truth speaks for itself. MLP does not know how to pull its socks. And if the attitude of "leave us to sort our business" will remain there, then I am sorry to say, but PN will win again in 2013.
First thing to be changed - MENTALITY, change Government.
David Wain
Apr 4th 2008, 16:41
I am truly pleased that MLP have decided to lift this ridiculous ban. It is true that that it would have been ideal had the directive not been issued in the first place, but this is second best. Having a decent alternative to the nationalist party (we have not had one in many years) is in the interest of all maltese, not just labourites, therefore this positive action by MLP is welcome.
On another note, Bill Millam and Eric Saliba are exactly the same. The only reason why they are not buddies is that they are on opposite sides of the fence.
Albert Gauci Cunningham
Apr 4th 2008, 16:38
No doubt a GOOD DECISION and quite timely...but if the MLP wants to become credible can it pls stop doing what some ex -PN ministers had been doing and take the right decision at the right time!!..........
Now being the Party which demanded ACCOUNTABILITY all the time .....is anyone going to be held accountable for this very wrong decision?....and those ppl who agreed with the ban because it ""stops the MLP from hanging the dirty linen outside"" what do they have to say now???
.....by the way F.SPITERI should not get very excited about good leadership because what he terms as a "BAD DECISION" was taken by none other than those who are leading the MLP today....i.e.---those who have been clinging to power in the MLP for the last ten yrs!!......good leadership produces results and you haven't seen results since 1981!!!!
Anthny Mizzi
Apr 4th 2008, 16:29
The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.
Ralph Nader
And thee are quite a number of contestants for the Leader of the M.L.P post : )
Paul Vella
Apr 4th 2008, 16:06
Good Luck also to the fourth MLP Leadership candidate, Marie Louise Coleiro. How healthy this contest is becoming with such a wide choice for the Labour Party delegates. All those who have officially declared their candidature are all people with the best credentials and the best capabilities to lead the Labour Party. And should George Abela wants also to join in, he should declare it straight away, be accepted to contest, and the list will be further enhanced.
From then onwards it will have to be a just contest with all candidates given equal coverage and equal opportunities on all MLP media and possibly even on state broadcasting. Even the printed media should help the Labour Delegates arrive at their decision with a balanced coverage for all the leadership challengers.
eric saliba
Apr 4th 2008, 16:04
to alex valenzia....democratic and well-meaning comments are most welcome......from democrats!! your comment is truly 'nationalist'....siding with the foreigner, even when in the wrong, against your fellow maltese. i repeat the labour party can and will sort out the leadership issue without 'advice' from the likes of mr. millam.
Wayne Hewitt
Apr 4th 2008, 15:53
"social-democratic" or communist credentials?
Joe Martinelli
Apr 4th 2008, 15:41
"MLP leadership hopefuls disagree with media ban"
That was yesterday.
This is today:
"MLP lifts media ban on leadership candidates"
For heavens' sake, Labour, Quo vadis?
Next probable headline: George Abela banned - not a delegate.
Followed by the next probable headline: George threatens legal action - ban withdrawn.
Dr. Sant being such a literary genius must surely be taking notes for his next 'made for stage' drama series.
alexandervalenzia
Apr 4th 2008, 15:37
thank you eric saliba for reminding us how democracy is interpreted by labour supporters. You criticise the party and you get slammed. new labour????????
Eric Farrugia
Apr 4th 2008, 15:37
Joseph Muscat has stuck up for what he believes in. He is a man of principle and common sense.
His energy and optimism have infected the party and given it hope. He is definately Labour` best choice. MLCP can be his Deputy..she will make a good John Prescott....
Edward Mifsud
Apr 4th 2008, 15:35
Well said Charles J Buttigieg, this vigilance board MUST go now! This is one of the things that must change in the MLP.
Yes, all candidates should be allowed to go for it and freely, even George Abela. There is no declared winner here, even though there is a clear favourite that has ALL the qualities to shine.
Landslides do not happen in Malta, so let's be realistic, 5 years is a long time.
Labour can win well next time, with a fresh leader AND an efficient organisation. NO leader will do it single handedly. Gonzi was PN's main player, BUT he had a load of support.
CPace
Apr 4th 2008, 15:08
'One of the problems at the last election, she said, was that the people had not seen enough of a difference between the MLP and the PN'........
The main problem for MLP was that the difference between the two parties was all too clear, and it is this that has kep them in opposition for another 5 years.
Bring in George Abela and win the next election by a landslide. Change is good for the country, but the electorate is mature enough to understand that the MLP need to have the policies to earn government. Crying that they have been in opposition for 20 years is not enough.....
eric saliba
Apr 4th 2008, 14:43
Bill Millam, remember when you had a (US) president with 300,000 less votes than his opponent???? the mlp does not need advice from the likes of you. we can sort out our problems.
victor borg
Apr 4th 2008, 14:30
WELL DONE LIFTING THE BAN.
WE NEED YOUNG GENERATION TO LEAD.US JOSEPH MUSCAT WILL BE MY NO 1
Ruth Saliba
Apr 4th 2008, 13:58
welcome and good luck Marie Louise...but I still believe that the Party will be fit for Government with Joseph Muscat at the helm of the Labour Party
Charles J Buttigieg
Apr 4th 2008, 13:53
Glad to have you on board Louise.I've known you and admired you for a very long time. No doubt you are one of our greatest assets. I wish you luck.
As to the board of vigilance and discipline my wish is one for them to pack up and close their shop.The days of the holy inquisition are long gone, the party's administration should suffice.
Who ever came out with the press embargo must be a remnant of a different democracy and I suspect that he is the same instigator to impede George Abela from the race. If there is any truth in the rumour that George will be disqualified because he is not a party delegate,then that has to be revisited because it is stupid and counter to democracy. If it statutorily then change it.
George Abela may not be my favourite candidate but I will support his claim that he has a right to join the contest and on a level playing field.
We are a democratic political party,I have no difficulty to criticise the party I love so much because I know that Labour is receptive to well meant constructive criticism. I am however intolerant to destructive criticism which emanates particularly from the PN manipulators.
Long live labour a balance discrepancy of a mere 790 votes is easy to overturn and surpass.
Mark Bonello
Apr 4th 2008, 13:35
Well done and hats off to whoever desided to take this course of action within the MLP.
Keep it up and roll up your sleeves. We await a new era of our great Maltese potential geared towards a pristine service to the nation's great people.
Once again, hats off and thankyou.
Now lets get moving
Doris Sacco
Apr 4th 2008, 13:05
Reading about the rescinding of the MLP disciplinary board's directive, I almost thought the directive itself was some sort of a belated April fool's joke
C. Micallef
Apr 4th 2008, 12:56
I think Evarist Bartolo needs to give the MLP a good lecture about media cos Labour are losing the plot!
On a different note, I want to see
Joseph Muscat as leader and Evarist and Marie Louise as deputy leaders.
They all seem to share similar visions and they are all very appealing to different kinds of people.
Joseph, as the youngest and most ambitious will probably give some much needed energy and a good new look to the post of leader.
Marie Louise and Evarist can provide the much needed experience as well as garnering appeal from opposing voting bases.
Marie Louise can appeal to hardcore traditional-Labour supporters and the neglected low-to-middle-class voters.
Evarist can attract the moderate middle-to-high class disillusioned Nationalists, as he has been doing throughout his political career.
Joseph, Marie Louise and Evarist are a winning team. If only they and the rest of the Labour party see that.
Bill Millam
Apr 4th 2008, 12:50
Yet another u-turn by the MLP !
Why can't they get their act right first time around? It seems like the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing within the MLP!
The party leadership, or should I say LOSERSHIP are digging a deeper and deeper hole each and everyday in which the MLP seems will be buried, FOREVER!
Mark Anthony Portelli
Apr 4th 2008, 12:37
Finally a good sign from the Labour party, although it has a long way ahead to achieve the credibility that the majority of the maltese people want. First step - Not bad (they shouldn't have banned the candidates)...
F Spiteri
Apr 4th 2008, 12:27
To all Pn frantics who clacked soooooooooooooo quickly in other blogs: Rephrase your words please!
Can u see now what high quality candidates for leadership role means? Thanks goes to all contestants who stood up against this wrong decision which was taken to ban media. You showed ALL Malta what true leadership means!
May I remind PN, however, that even PN had a regulation to ban One media at one point, and they abided to it very well!!!!! About time PN does homework as well because as far as I know from the previous election, PN lost 2.5% of votes!
danny attard
Apr 4th 2008, 12:22
a good sign that someone is listening. In this age of open communication, the last thing we want is a behind-close-doors attitude. Let the debate and contest rage. It can only better the final decision made for the sole benefit of our nation. Having said that I do appreciate the efforts by some quarters to instigate devide so that they may rule, yet that is a reality us as a nation will have to live with. No temporal power is eternal.
Annie Borg
Apr 4th 2008, 12:19
In Maltese we have a saying 'hawwadni ha nifmhek'. The MLP is showing again that it can't get anything right...not even when organising a leadership contest. Good prospects for the PN in 2013!!
J.Azzopardi
Apr 4th 2008, 12:07
Having known Marie-Louise almost since was born, and worked with her for a long time on a party basis, i congratulate her and wish her well. I am sure that if she leads the Party she will be an asset. She is a valid candidate like others who are in the running and will be a hard nut to crack by the PN.