Alternattiva Demokratika yesterday presented its 10 candidates for Saturday’s round of local council elections and urged people to vote green, saying it was the best way for residents to have a voice.

“I invite people to vote for local councils that belong to residents and not controlled by big developers’ lobbies... Not for councils characterised with partisan bickering and personal feuds but for councils that look ahead and give priority to the resident’s quality of life,” party chairman and Sliema candidate Michael Briguglio said in a press conference yesterday.

The candidates are: Ralph Cassar (Attard), Yvonne Arqueros Ebejer (St Julians), Simon Galea (St Paul’s Bay), Solange Sant Fournier (Swieqi), Leonard Schembri (Gżira), Michael Bajada (Munxar), Henrik Piski (Qormi), Robert Callus (Mosta), Andre’ Vella (Balzan) and Dr Briguglio.

Alternattiva Demokratika was the only party conscious of the sustainable development impact caused by the building industry which led to more than 70,000 residential properties staying empty.

“These empty properties are having a negative impact on the local communities – they are equivalent to an area nine times the size of Birkirkara, which means there were expenses for roads infrastructure, lighting, pavements and sewage,” party spokesman on sustainable development Carmel Cacopardo said.