GRTU protests over polling day closure of shops
The GRTU has filed a judicial protest against the Chief Electoral Commissioner calling on him not to order the closure of shops within 50 metres of polling stations on June 6, polling day for the European Parliament and local elections.
The GRTU also called for compensation for the shops.
It said the provisions of the electoral law were archaic and did not reflect the current calm political situation. The application of this law was draconian and would cause material damages to many shops, mostly confectioners and stationers located near schools.
The GRTU pointed out that the commissioner had in the past, during local council elections, occasionally not enforced the law.
Such shops, the GRTU said, would clearly not involve themselves in propaganda, intimidate voters or breach public order.
Popular Stories
Update 3: Woman found dead in car,...
Updated: Woman dies in car crash
Part of Dwejra 'Azure window' collapses
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
The end of the bar that ‘never closed’
Bundy does not know whether to...
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
This WAS the night - Kurt makes it...
Petrol price up 6c
In Discussion
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
Gozo tunnel could take 5-7 years to...
CABS remote controlled aircraft shot...
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Joseph Calleja condemns portrayal of...
Updated: Labour would give...
CABS drone shot down
Second group of migrants arrives
Adrian Vassallo in scathing...
9 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
G. Mangion
May 22nd 2009, 09:44
This is Ridiculous !
Why ? this will make Malta look as if we Voters from all side's, as if we live in fear ! which Surely is not the case !
K Tanti
May 22nd 2009, 09:08
GRTU tell your director to protest with the government. Easy for him as he is an important member of the party in government
Michel Bencini
May 22nd 2009, 01:03
It never ceases to amaze me that in spite of being independant for so many decades and now part of Europe, Malta has not as of yet shed its colonial past. The idea of closing business close to a polling station is so lucidrous that it defies all norms of rational consideration.
Enzo Caruana
May 22nd 2009, 00:24
Good for GRTU to defend the interests of its members. However I am still wondering why Vince farrugia did not utter one word to defend hoteliers and restaurenters who in his presence were bamed b Lawrence Gonzi for inflating the cost of living. Speak up Mr Farrugia if you are still defending yur GRTU members
Joseph Ellis
May 21st 2009, 22:57
It's not beyond GRTU, but certainly incredible, that it is asking the Electoral Commission to break the law. And I would not be overly surprised if, in the current climate, its request is acceded to. Who cares about the laws of the land if some votes are at stake ?
The rule of law becomes ever more a tenuous reality in this country.
Albert Farrugia
May 21st 2009, 22:41
@Andre Cilia
Just because something stupid is done over and over again, it does not mean it should not be abolished. I remember, way back during the EU referendum of 2003 foreign journalists trying to film the elections who could not believe their eyes that in a supposedly democratic European country they could not do what they could do anywhere with ease...that is...film the proceedings from near the polling station. Why do the two major political parties insist on this stupid rule? I say "Political parties" on purpose. In Malta we have no electoral commission...wherever you read "electoral commission" read "the two major political parties".
Rita Spiteri
May 21st 2009, 22:00
Saturdays are the best days for business to most of the shops so it's only fair to let them open this law is stupid anyway
Andre Cilia
May 21st 2009, 21:26
As far as I know this has always happened with no complaints... may I ask what is different now?
Joseph Mizzi
May 21st 2009, 20:04
I'm curious to know who is representing the GRTU in this case. Not Vince Farrugia, by any chance, to demonstrate how much he has the small businessman at heart?