Both major political parties are facing difficulties to conclude their MEP candidates’ list for May’s election, amid internal squabbling and resistance to field certain names.

While the Labour Party is facing a major problem with incumbent MEPs possibly facing an exit, the Nationalist Party commission set up to decide the daunting task is in two minds over what to do next, The Sunday Times of Malta is informed.

PL sources said pressure is building on party leader Joseph Muscat to exclude current MEP Claudette Abela Baldacchino from standing due to a pending criminal court case in which she is being accused of defrauding the EU Commission in travel expenses. Ms Abela Baldacchino said she is determined to prove her innocence.

Alfred Sant and Miriam Dalli are believed to be among the front-runners for a seat in Brussels

The sources said pressure is mounting from all sitting MEPs interested in re-contesting, particularly Joseph Cuschieri who is considered as being the most likely candidate to lose his seat. John Attard Montalto will not be standing for re-election after his 10-year stint.

The other incumbent is former Sea Malta chairperson Marlene Mizzi. Former Prime Minister Alfred Sant and popular Labour TV personality Miriam Dalli are believed to be among the front-runners for a seat in Brussels.

However, sources said the possible exclusion of Ms Abela Baldacchino, who tops Labour’s list due to the alphabetical rule, might prove a major boost to Mr Cuschieri’s hopes. People close to Mr Cuschieri are using the argument that the MEP deserves to be compensated after giving up his Malta parliamentary seat for Dr Muscat.

When contacted, both Mr Cuschieri and Ms Abela Baldacchino declined to comment.

The PN is also struggling to finalise its list as sources said the desired ‘big name’ to rival Dr Sant has not yet been found.

Although initially former EU Commissioner Joe Borg and Health Commissioner Tonio Borg were cited to be as possible candidates, it appears that both have declined the offer.

TV personality Jean Claude Micallef – whose nomination was turned down by the PN Commission due to a pending court case – is now insisting on a reversal of this decision after the court cleared him.

Still, many top officials in the party seem to be opposing his candidature due to his lack of political experience, among other reasons.

The sources said that the Commission has also interviewed former TV personality Norman Vella who expressed his wish to become a candidate.

The Commission is, however, not convinced about his electoral attraction, particularly with PN voters, due to his past staunch Labour background.

Both parties are expected to announce their final candidates’ lists in January.

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