Cassola elected chairman of AD

Arnold Cassola was today elected chairman of Alternattiva Demokratika during the party's extraordinary general meeting called by the executive to discuss the general election results and to elect a new executive committe following the resignation of the party executive.

Outgoing chairman Harry Vassallo thanked those with whom he had worked with during the past nine years and said that he did the best he could considering the party's limited resources. Dr Vassallo urged AD to remain true to its ideals and said that it was the only party courageous enough to include progressive and ecological issues on its political agenda and was not hostage to any financially-strong lobby.

Dr Vassallo added that he was not "slamming the door and leaving," as opinion writers have said. He said that he wants to see a strong and effective party and urged everyone to give a helping hand.

The members present at the meeting then approved by secret ballot the nominees for the executive committee.

According to AD's statute, when posts are uncontested, the nominees have to be approved by two-thirds of the party members attending a general meeting.

And Dr Cassola was unanimously approved as the new chairman.

He said that AD will continue making its voice heard - expressing its agreement if it agrees with policies and proposals but also criticising and offering different solutions where necessary.

Dr Cassola said that goodwill can be shown by the government by making an effort to consult all parties and seek an agreement on a person who can represent all the Maltese and Gozitans as President when the post is vacated next year.