The Constitution was under the spotlight today, with speakers at the President's Forum agreeing that the time was right to discuss reform.

The forum, held at the Palace in Valletta, was opened by President George Abela who in his introduction asked whether the Constitution should be re-written from scratch or whether it should be amended. He also posed questions on specific sections of the Constitution, such as whether the President should have greater powers and whether neutrality still has a place in the constitution. Should Malta consider a presidential system of government? Who should appoint the members of the judiciary and constitutional bodies and authorities.

Such questions, Dr Abela said were inspired directly by the late Fr Peter Serracino Inglott, who had been meant to be present for the forum.

A minute's silence was observed in tribute.

Former US Ambassador Douglas Kmiec spoke about the way the Office of the President evolved in the United States as well as the way the legislature and judiciary function. He said the Constitution must be accessible, easy even for schoolchildren to read and understand.

He suggested that  the constitution should open with an acknowledgement of 'the creator'. It should also have a commitment to  faith, human rights and human labour in the service of peace.He also suggested that the constitution's text should be short, because if it was longer, it would invite mischief.

University lecturer Roderick Pace highlighted the need for electoral reform for strict proportionality between votes cast and representation in parliament. That, he said, would also eliminate vote wastage.

The forum was chaired by John C. Grech.