Alternattiva Demokratika has revived proposals for amendments to the Electoral Law to introduce strict proportionality, subject to a national threshold of 2.5%.

At present, strict proportionality between votes cast and seats in parliament is only enforced when two political parties are elected to parliament. Should there be successful candidates from more than two parties, parliamentary seats are allocated according to the results in each electoral district, independently of the number of No1 votes which the parties would have won nationally.

The AD proposal would extend the current system to apply even when more than two parties make it to parliament, but a party would only make it to parliament if it achieves at least 2.5% of the national vote. That avoids the possibility of a successful single-candidate party becoming 'kingmaker' after election from just one district.

Similar proposals were made at meetings of the so-called Gonzi Commission in the early 1990s but no agreement was reached. 

AD representatives outlined their proposals for constitutional change at a meeting with the Constitutional steering committee chaired by President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca. 

AD also proposed that changes to ensure parliamentary gender balance should also be inclusive of people who identify themselves with neither genders.

The party said that since Malta was a lay state the Constitution should no longer be linked to one religion but should spell out its respect for all religions compatible with the democratic state. 

The party also felt that the President should be elected by an electoral college that would be broader than parliament and include local councils. 

Carmel Cacopardo, AD leader, also emphasised that the Constitution needs to protect the environment.