Referring to a speech made yesterday by MLP leader Joseph Muscat, Arnold Cassola, Chairperson of Alternattiva Demokratika, said that the Malta Labour Party leader Dr. Joseph Muscat has shown a strong gesture of political maturity in insisting on the inclusion of all political parties in discussions on the financing of political parties.

“Indeed, all political parties, as well as civil society, should be directly involved also in the talks on a new electoral system for Malta,” said Prof. Cassola.

Stephen Cachia, AD Deputy Chairperson,welcomed the speech by Dr. Joseph Muscat. Stephen Cachia said that this manner of rising above partisan politics was a very positive step, particularly due to the fact that it is giving credit to the positive contribution AD has given over the years to the political development of this country. Stephen Cachia augured that the Nationalist Party would also show such political maturity and start discussions among all political parties about such an important issue.

Mr Cassola said that a government which only has a relative majority is duty bound to involve all political parties in such discussions, particularly discussions related to the financing of political parties, changes to the electoral law, proposals related to the Broadcasting Authority and PBS as well as changes proposed to the Permanent Commission against Corruption. Mr Cassola reiterated AD’s proposal that Government should work towards consensus in the election of a new President of the Republic, an act which would send a strong message of political maturity and unity.

Stephen Cachia, Deputy Chairperson and spokesperson for democracy and civil rights, said that AD had always participated throughout the years in various institutional discussions on democratic changes for our country. “Despite the fact that, in the past, the main political parties have regularly chosen partisan short sightedness over the national interest, we feel that Government now has an opportunity to work towards real change which would truly strengthen our democracy for the benefit of the whole country. AD is totally committed to giving its full share in working together with the other political parties towards such change,” concluded Stephen Cachia.

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