Updated: Coleiro-Preca demands investigation over leaked information

(Adds Michael Falzon's comments)

Labour leadership candidate Marie Louise Coleiro-Preca has demanded an investigation by the MLP's electoral commission after information about the party delegates was leaked to persons who have nothing to do with the party.

Condemning what had happened, Notary Coleiro-Preca said in a statement that over the past few days, a substantial number of delegates had contacted her to complain that they had been contacted by phone by unknown persons and asked about their preference for MLP leader.

The delegates said they were concerned and angry that personal, confidential information about them had been given to third parties.

Notary Coleiro-Preca said she was demanding an inquiry into this “serious breach of ethics and professionalism” by the MLP electoral commission.

“The commission needs to ensure that the delegates are protected from such serious abuse. No one has a right to abuse of the delegates,” she said.

She also reiterated her recent comment that no one should apply external influence on the delegates. The delegates, she insisted, had a right and a duty to make a free choice according to their conscience.

She also urged the delegates not to allow anyone to influence them unduly.

Leadership candidate Michael Falzon speaking at the Maraxlokk market today also criticised the leakage of information.

“Party matters of a sensitive nature should never be passed on to the public... Whoever has the responsibility to keep custody of certain matters but cannot should leave the party. Certain details are only held by a select few,” he said.

Dr Falzon promised that should he be elected leader, he would do his utmost for such things not to take place.

During the Marsaxlokk market tour, Dr Falzon was also asked about his position on Labour leader Alfred Sant’s references to particular people in the media during his Parliamentary speech on Monday.

He said that he never personally attacked anyone and he never would. The media, he said, always had a right to its opinion and the MLP wanted to strengthen democracy. However, there would always be those who felt that the media did not always play fair with them.