MEP hopefuls battle it out online

Improvements in internet access coupled with changes in online habits means that campaign tactics for June's parliament elections have changed since elections five years ago.

The National Statistics Office reported last December that 59 per cent of households had internet access, compared to 49 per cent when Malta joined the EU in 2004. Since then, social networking sites have exploded, with Facebook boasting over 200 million users worldwide.

The media dubbed Barack Obama as the 'Facebook candidate' for the way he mobilised millions during last year's presidential campaign through the site. Nowadays, even the biggest cynic is realising the importance of the internet.

Evidence of the growing importance of the internet in Maltese politics emerged in the wake of the Labour Party's defeat in last year's general election. The PL concluded in a review of their campaign that the party failed to use the internet as effectively as the Nationalists.

In an effort to respond to changing times, 21 of next month's European election candidates have their own website or blog spot, offering insights ranging from their thoughts on major issues to more mundane details like the names of pets.

Most of the candidates from the two main parties seem keen for the public to see photos of them with their party leaders and the President.

MEP Simon Busuttil treats browsers to photos of him celebrating his 40th birthday with singer Chiara and TV personality Joseph Chetcuti. MEP David Casa posted photos of himself in a jovial mood at a party in Paceville.

Labour MEP John Attard Montalto informs visitors to his site that his hobby is travelling and displays photos of himself in an array of exotic locations, including Kyrgyzstan, Yemen, Panama and Brazil.

Almost all of the candidates also have a presence on social networking sites, with Facebook being the most widely used. All the candidates from the two main parties are on Facebook, with only Emmy Bezzina, John Zammit, Mary Cauchi and John Spiteri failing to set up a profile or create a group.

Labour candidate Kirill Micallef Stafrace is the most popular Facebook-using candidate with over 4,100 'friends', although he only has 13 'supporters' on his Facebook supporters' page.

Candidates have to be wary of Facebook groups which question their credentials. There is a Facebook group entitled 'Why vote for Simon Busuttil if he will resign straight after?' But it is unlikely that Dr Busuttil is losing sleep over this - the group only has four members, one of whom is called 'Jimmy Labour' and another is called 'B Cool B Labour.'

A group called 'I will not vote for Edward Demicoli, whose dad steals personal private data' is similarly unpopular. It only has two members.

Azzjoni Nazzjonali leader Josie Muscat has the unofficial backing of controversial Facebook group 'Save Malta from Illegal Immigrants', which has over 5,500 members. Dr Muscat proudly displays the photo of himself being presented with the group's 'Politician of the Year Award' on his Facebook fans' page.

Labour candidate Sharon Ellul Bonici seems to understand the importance of internet campaigning. She maintains a campaign website, Faceboo and Twitter sites, as well as a Youtube account.

But her large online presence has left her open to scrutiny. She faced controversy when Gift of Life picked up comments she made against the proposed Constitutional amendment to ban abortion on an open Facebook group.

Despite the controversy, Ms Ellul Bonici vowed to continue to join various social networks to help her understand what the public want.

Although people may consider internet browsing to be the preserve of the young, social networking sites are becoming increasingly popular with older users. In the US, 36 to 54-year olds constitute Facebook's fastest growing demographic by a considerable margin, closely followed by those aged 55 and over.

According to Youtube's insight into Ms Ellul Bonici's account, her videos are mostly watched by people in the 35-44 age group.

Nationalist candidate Alan Deidun believes internet campaigning has been embraced by nearly all the candidates this year. But he complained that the Data Protection Act discriminates against environmentally-conscious candidates and those with a dearth of financial resources.

Dr Deidun said he would like to see provisions introduced to the DPA for campaigning purposes, so that citizens could choose to opt out of receiving political marketing e-mails.