I would like to make it clear from the outset I am in favour of equal opportunities for all. Yet, I feel the way some are advocating quotas will do more harm than good.

The Maltese population is roughly divided between males and females. So, why is it that the absolute majority of female voters do not support candidates of their own sex? The general trend among women is that, normally, they do not trust each other. But there must be other reasons.

Political parties should study and evaluate this phenomenon. A quality and quantitative survey should be conducted. All voters residing in all the electoral districts need to be studied, irrespective of their level of education, marital status, age or whether gainfully occupied, housewives or unemployed.

This would serve as a solid platform on which to base any policy and future plans. I know of electorate candidates who were unsuccessful for no apparent reason. Why did this happen?

Certain political parties keep pushing candidates who are hardly popular with the electorate. Familial connections should not come into the equation. A successful father, brother or some other relative does not necessarily mean the female candidate will also make the grade. We have seen male candidates with a lot of potential being ignored, even though coming from established politically strong families.

The candidates must possess their own abilities. Nominating ‘unworthy’ candidates is causing untold harm.

Thus, before dreaming of quotas let us seriously evaluate the situation. Why did certain female candidates fall by the wayside? Properly vetted and capable female candidates will always be welcome but the unpopular or of weak character should stay away.