Alternattiva Demokratika has expressed itself against an Opposition proposal suggesting a government and an Opposition representative on the five person board nominating judges and magistrates.

“We do not accept having to subject these nominations to the vetting of the two parties, who already dominate the Broadcasting Authority and the Electoral Commission, "AD chairman Arnold Cassola said.

"While there seems to be national consensus that the government of the day should no longer appoint members of the judiciary, there are still differences on the proposed method of appointment,” he said.

Alternattiva Demokratika, he said, believed judges and magistrates should no longer be appointed by the government but by the President. They should then undergo a parliamentary hearing and be subject to confirmation by a Parliamentary majority.

This would ensure checks and balances between the executive power (exercised in this case by the President) and the legislature.