Why is Sant still Opposition Leader?

Alfred Mifsud, Balzan

Alfred Sant has irrevocably resigned as leader of the Malta Labour Party. Charles Mangion is the acting leader until a new leader is elected in June.

A new legislature has started but somehow Dr Sant is still leader of the opposition. I am confused. The Constitution provides for the Leader of the Opposition to be the leader of the main opposition party. Why has Dr Mangion not been sworn in as Opposition Leader in this legislature? Why is the President, the guardian of the Constitution, condoning this irregularity?

The PN seem comfortable with Dr Sant continuing as Leader of the Opposition in this interregnum. His tenure gives considerable power of incumbency to influence the outcome of Labour's leadership election. It is power of incumbency without being the rightful incumbent.

Who says that the PN truly wish Labour to elect a new leader who can give them a real run for their money?

Comments

Lisa Schembri (on 15/5/08)

What difference does it make? Why is everyone so obsessed about what politicians are doing? The election is over.....This letter is just going to raise a political debate which will just result in being useless as usual.

André Xuereb (on 14/5/08)

Mr Cardona, if you follow the comments sections on this website, you will realise that: (a) everything negative is always, no matter what the situation is, the PN's fault; and (b) everything positive that happens in our fair land is due to the MLP's influence or is just a coincidence, further showing the PN's incompetence. Sant still being the opposition leader falls in the first category. I hope this answers your question.

Adrian Cardona (on 14/5/08)

Why is it the PN's fault that Sant is leader of the opposition? Isn't it up to the MLP to sort out who is their leader?