On Saturday, elections will be held in 35 different localities. Such a democratic process gives the electorate a better opportunity of representation compared to general elections. The reason behind this lies in the fact that at local council level all those elected form part of the government while at national level only those representing a majority do so and the rest stay in opposition.
At national level elements forming the opposition and posing great potential are practically wasted resources. On the other hand, this cannot be said at local government level. The concept of opposition is inexistent and all councillors, irrespective of their political affiliation, have a role in the running of the council.
Keeping this in mind, the locality has so much to benefit from once the best elements from all political spectrums are elected. In reality, this is not the case. Sadly enough, the rat race between the Labour and Nationalist parties is rendering these elections simply an exercise of antagonism and mud slugging. Both the PL’s and the PN’s energy is focused on electing the biggest number of councillors irrespective of what it takes. Both work towards fielding the largest number of candidates possible. Quantity is the order of the day and quality does not fit in the picture.
As the saying goes: you reap what you sow. Councils do not reach their expectations. Many councillors are at loggerheads with one another. Political division is predominant and cooperation among councillors from different political camps is at the barest minimum. As a result, a number of councils just failed and typical examples are Mosta and Sliema.
Alternattiva Demokratika –the green party strongly objects to the PL and PN strategies. AD puts the interest of the locality and its residents before any other interest including political dominancy. AD believes in proper scrutiny of prospective candidates even if this means fielding a much smaller number of candidates compared to the PL and the PN.
AD councillors always worked hand in hand with councillors from any other political party towards the good of the community. This positive attitude gained our councillors respect from all. AD councillors can also act as a bridge between the two factions while keeping antagonism at bay. PL and PN councillors will deliver better since their focus is no longer how to get at each other’s throat.
As AD candidate for St Paul’s Bay (including Qawra, Buġibba, Wardija, Burmarrad and part of Bidnija), I look forward to seeing the best elements elected from the list of candidates. I would also like to take the opportunity and echo my party’s appeal by calling for the electorate to exercise the right for cross-party voting.
Change can only be attained by voting according to the candidate’s abilities and not solely according to the political affiliation.
If you want change then vote for it!