The head of the European Parliament in Malta has called on the government to establish "now" how the potential sixth seat will be allocated after the EP elections in June.

Julian Vassallo told The Sunday Times: "I believe that the time to set the rules on how this sixth seat is allocated is now."

Malta will gain the sixth seat in the European Parliament if the Irish ratify the Lisbon Treaty in October.

Dr Vassallo said that was the only stumbling block, "but all indications show that it will be approved".

He cautioned against leaving a solution to the last minute: "Our concern is that we find ourselves in a particular situation and if nothing is done, the sixth MEP will have less democratic legitimacy than the other five in the eyes of the electorate."

He said that those going to the polling booth on June 6 must know exactly how his vote would be counted and interpreted.

"When you make a choice and sign up for something, you have a right to know all the conditions attached beforehand. Voting is no different," Dr Vassallo said.

The Lisbon Treaty has already been ratified by 24 out of 27 member states. It was also unanimously ratified by Maltese Parliament.

The introduction of the sixth seat would require a change in the electoral law - the sooner this was done, the better, Dr Vassallo said.

However, he said it was not in his remit to propose when and how the sixth MEP should be elected.

"The solution must respect the will of the people and ideally bring together all the political parties. However, whichever solution is agreed upon, the Maltese people deserve clarity before voting," Dr Vassallo said.