All three political parties have expressed concern about the imploding Sliema local council, which has seen five councillors resign from their parties, four of them being accused of various crimes.

Although the parties stopped short of calling for fresh elections, each gave their own interpretation of what was happening.

The Nationalist Party noted the “anomalous” political situation where, despite having obtained 68 per cent of the 2009 popular vote, its council seats have “whittled down” to four, including mayor Joanna Gonzi, out of 11 councillors.

“Candidates who run for office on a party ticket and on the basis of that ticket win the trust of the electorate should live up to that trust. It is disappointing to see such trust lost as a result of alleged criminal behaviour across the political spectrum even if this behaviour is not necessarily related to the operations of the council itself,” a PN spokesman said. He explained that since the Local Councils Act laid down clear parameters as to when a council could be dissolved, it would be “superfluous if not outright irresponsible” for any political party to interfere. However, he said the party would support and cooperate with any action taken by the authorities in the best interest of the Sliema community and “their democratic representation”.

The Labour Party spoke of the sense of “disenchantment” arising from the constant “stories” people are hearing.

One of the stories involved a Labour councillor, Martin Debono, who has now resigned from the party, over alleged laptop misuse. He has “strongly” denied any wrongdoing.

“While one must await the conclusion of the proceedings against Mr Debono, we believe that it is the PN that has imploded with an amazing series of fiascos,” a Labour spokesman said.

“We think there are lessons to be learnt from everyone and stricter criteria will be used in the selection process of candidates for local council elections due next year. The PL has already adopted stricter criteria in the choice of its councillors that have contested the last round of local council elections,” he added, stressing that “the PL has taken a conscious decision not to tamper with democracy” and would therefore not engage in power games to take advantage of the issues of majority. “The law on the dissolution of a council is clear and it is up to the Prime Minister to decide whether the rules are being respected.”

Alternattiva Demokratika’s chairman Michael Briguglio, who was a Sliema councillor until the last election, said that while it was not up to AD to decide whether fresh elections should be held, “the council is in a mess”. He said the council had not been functioning properly for quite a long time, first through internal conflicts within the PN and then with separate criminal charges being filed against individual candidates. “In the meantime the council has failed to take decisions on important issues (such as traffic management and the proposed development at Townsquare).”

“If one wants change, one should vote for it,” he added. Meanwhile, a spokesman for the parliamentary secretary responsible for local councils said the Sliema council was being monitored and the situation was “under scrutiny”.

“Should it transpire that the Sliema council is not functioning and that one of the provisions of article 22 gets activated, then there would be no other alternative but to dissolve the council and call fresh elections,” the spokesman added.

Timeline

August 12, 2010: The PN expels mayor Nikki Dimech after The Times reveals he admitted bribery allegations during police interrogation.

August 25, 2010: Mr Dimech submits his resignation letter to the PN (irrespective of expulsion) together with councillor Sandra Camilleri, who says she was “forced” to sign a vote of no confidence in Mr Dimech.

August 31, 2010: Mr Dimech charged in court over bribery.

September 2, 2010: Sliema local council approves a PN-led motion of no confidence in Mr Dimech; Joanna Gonzi becomes mayor and Cyrus Engerer deputy mayor.

January 15, 2011: The Times reports Mr Dimech, Patrick Pace (PN), Martin Debono (PL) and Yves “Bobby” Calì (PN) were arrested and questioned by the police.

July 15, 2011: Mr Engerer resigns from the PN, citing irreconcilable differences on the divorce issue; decides to stay on as independent councillor but joins Labour Party.

July 25, 2011: The police file charges against Mr Engerer accusing him of circulating pornographic images.

August 2, 2011: Mr Debono and Mr Calì resign from their respective parties after The Times reports they will be charged over laptop misuse.

Provisions

A councillor can be “disqualified” if serving a prison or suspended sentence exceeding 12 months.

A council can be dissolved upon:

• A report by the Auditor General on persistent breach of financial responsibilities.

• Persistent non-regard to the provisions of the Local Councils Act after formal notice has been given by the minister.

• Lack of agreement in electing the mayor.

• Lack of agreement by the council in approving its annual estimates.

• A recommendation to that effect in a report by a board appointed under the Inquiries Act.

Source: Local Councils Act, article 22