Local councils that are free of party politics

Local councils as we know them today were introduced in Malta in 1993 by the Local Councils Act. This legislation has proved the government's objective in favour of the notion of subsidiarity, where the power of governance is handled by the least centralised competent authorities, therefore bringing people into the centre of politics by direct decision-taking where it matters most.

However, the very first form of local government in Malta was introduced in 1798 during the French occupation of our island. After Malta became a British colony in 1800, local government was reintroduced without interruption between 1801 and 1896. Governor General Sir William Reid appointed a number of local councils himself, establishing a district-based concept of local authority. In 1961, we then had the civic councils, the first of which was set up in Victoria. This council remained in office until 1973 when it was abolished by a Labour government that sought to regain control by shifting the balance of power back to the Executive.

When local councils were introduced in 1993, they were accompanied by initial scepticism but the elections were received by a round of approval and equal participation. It was a pleasure to welcome a large number of candidates into this new project and equally satisfying was the response given by voters with a very good turn-out. The success of individual local councils was naturally not the same for all localities but, by and large, they have created a better standard of living for the vast majority of their residents.

The responsibilities given to local councils offer a greater potential to further better our expectations. Their sustainability will strengthen the concept of decentralised power and induce more participation in the exercise of direct democracy. Local councils are the fresh page in Malta's political development.

After the Labour Party's political about-turn to start taking part in local elections in 1999, the so-called independent councillors, till then stifled inside their cocoon of simulated impartiality, came out into the open as their vast majority spilled back to the Labour fold. Labour candidates cum councillors turned their respective local councils into partisan political party premises and problems surfaced due to this partisan stance.

A number of Labour-led councils were investigated by the department as well as the police for abuses ranging from irregular employment of council and ancillary staff, choosing partial selection boards well known for their Labour sympathies to condone the subsequent outcome of candidate selections and non-observance of legal regulations with regard to the awarding of tenders. There were even more serious cases where anonymous letters were circulated to harm potential or sitting councillors in the carrying out of their duties. It is therefore no surprise that three local councils led by a Labour majority were dissolved for this complete disregard of councils' rules and regulations.

There is no space for partisan politics in local councils.

Residents from 23 localities will be casting their vote on June 6 to elect new councils. There should be no space for government and opposition. The election should solely bear responsible individuals whose only aim and priority is to their respective locality.

As far as the PN goes, the party's values and vision of people-centred politics inherent of the principles of democracy and subsidiarity is what we instil into our prospective councillors as they are encouraged to discuss and make the necessary decisions on matters dealing with their locality during council meetings, if possible, unanimously.

PN councillors are left free to vote according to their conscience, values and ethics. Councils where the PN commands a majority of elected candidates are free to directly involve Labour councillors in the councils' pledged political programme, unlike what happens within Labour-led councils. Moreover, even in localities where the PN is in a minority, councillors are encouraged to cooperate fully with Labour councillors if this is beneficial to the residents.

The political intervention in local councils is minimal if not completely inexistent and, in adverse cases, the party's involvement and directions are restricted to matters considered to have national political consequences or so blatantly in disregard to the spirit of the law.

I encourage and call on all residents of the 23 localities to cast their vote to elect those council candidates of their preference bearing in mind the responsibility of their same choice. Surely, these candidates deserve our gratitude and appreciation for the voluntary work carried out on behalf of their community.

Mr Aquilina is coordinator of the PN-led local councils.