Jos. Dimech, Birżebbuġa
Council's big spender
Before long we shall find out whether to take at face value the MEPs' declarations about campaign spending taken under oath. Some have already disclosed their expenses as being below the stipulated amount.
I do not know whether to call it boldness or disrespect towards the establishment what Edward Demicoli has declared as being three times the sum permitted by law.
The Electoral Commission cannot sit on the fence any longer and has to abide by the legislation constituted by the highest institution, the Parliament, to safeguard fairness in any elections, whether general, MEPs' or the local council elections.
This legislation was specifically created to put candidates at par and not place any at a disadvantage, money-wise.
Rightly so, the focus was on the MEP candidates but a particular candidate contesting the local council elections appears to have exceeded every limit imaginable, lavishing free coffee mornings, sightseeing tours to entice foreign voters, gifts, expensive propaganda brochures, TV programmes and to crown it all a grand finale - over 2,500 guests were invited to a grand reception fit for royals. Of course, with the blessing of his party.
All this humbug for a mere mayoral post on a local council. One wonders if all this amounts to any obligations for past, present or future handshakes!
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M. Galea
Jul 14th 2009, 07:45
It seems that this Mayor has the blessing of both parties. The PN has never criticized this Mayor unlike in the case of other PL Mayors. On the other hand when informed the PL leadership stayed numb and did not reprimand him. The people that came out the worst in this scenario are the candidates themselves who were placed at a disadvantage. Let’s hope justice is done by the Electoral Commission and the Police Commissioner in doing their part in investigating the alleged overspending by the Marsascala Mayor. The law is there to be observed by all. If found guilty there is no other alternative but he should be disqualified.
S. Xerri
Jul 13th 2009, 20:28
The issue of overspending by candidates in the MEP's elections and in the Local Council elections is the topic of the day. Citizens are requesting the Electoral Commission and the Commissioner of Police to investigate the candidates' expenditure and, of course, their declaration which they are supposed to submit under oath. I fully concur with that as the law has to be abided by everybody. But what about the Political Parties? Are they going to make any investigation internally? Or are they gloing to close their eyes for such corruption. Are Political Parties going to investigate who are these 'third Parties" who provided funds for their election campaign? And the reasons why such funds were provided to certain candidates? The Proof of the Pudding is in the eating. We shall now see if the PL and its’ New Leaders, really mean what they preach. As Labour Party Supporters we expect an internal investigation.
J. Mercieca
Jul 13th 2009, 19:41
I know exactly the candidate to whom Mr. Dimech is referring to. Recently he was unmasked by another local newspaper. As Mr. Dimech correctly stated, this individual to retain his post as Mayor has violated flagrantly, arrogantly and abusively the Electoral Law. His limit according to Law was about €1,900. But instead he abusively defied the electoral Law by spending much much more than that. What annoys me is the fact, that the PL administration were informed well before the election of June 6th. By disregarding the Electoral Law, the contestants were not on the same level playing field. What makes matter worst, is the fact, that the PL General Secretary attended the 'Grand Reception" at the Montecristo estates and addressed those present
D. PACE
Jul 13th 2009, 19:30
I am a resident from Marsaskala and I know fully well how much the PL Mayor spent thousands of euros more than the Electoral Law permits. I was present for the 'Grand Reception" at the Montecristo Halls at Hal Farrug, as I was invited personally by the Mayor. A 'Grand Reception' which had cost him thousands of euros. As a resident I received a 12 page A4 , full colour glossy brochure and together with my wife attended a coffee morning free of charge at the Palm Valley Restaurant in Marsaskala. U l-PL Kuntent u ferhan!! L-aqwa li issa ghandna Partit Gdid ta' Koalizzjoni ta’ Progressivi u Moderati. Tghid dan is-Sindku ma liema kategorija jaghmel? Tal-Progressivi jew tal-Moderati? Konvint li ta’ l-ebda kategorija.
M. Azzoppardi
Jul 13th 2009, 19:17
Honesty is the best policy. This applies not only to this particular Mayor, who spent so much money to retain his Mayorship, but also to the party he represents. Particular reference to the other candidates who contested the election alongside with him were sidelined by the PL. The PL leaders knew what was going on, that the contest between the candidates was unfair and unjust. Yet they remained silent and permitted this to happen without lifting a finger. Not only that, but the General Secretary gave his full support to the detriment of the other candidates. Is this the way how a New PL of Progressives and Moderates treat honest and diligent persons within the party?