The Election Results gave a huge victory for the Labour Party, the likes of which will be almost impossible to surpass. It also gave a crashing defeat to the Nationalist Party.

These Elections saw the largest absentees of over 60 thousand voters which is also sending a very clear message to one and all.

We also had the visit from the Holy Father, Pope Francis, who united the population in a marvellous welcome by a united Maltese and Gozitan people. Our Islands and their people were united in their greeting of our Religious Leader Pope Francis.

This showed that we Maltese and Gozitans can unite and be positive in our hopes and views. This is positivity at it’s best and also shows that the people want and wish that we adopt a much better policy in our political field.

No more hate. No more vile comments. No more half-truths and malicious insinuations.

A Clear Message on Greed and Over Development

The Pope was very forthright and crystal clear when he raised the matter of rampant greed and over development. This crying shame has been going on for far too long with no heed being given to it.

Also one has to clarify the reason why 60 thousand voters have protested by either not voting or cancelling their votes in the polling booth.

Can this be a warning to the Authorities that a large majority of the population has lost hope in their voices being heard when they appeal against these rampant developments and high rise buildings?

Have they lost hope in the Authorities? I believe they are asking why their way of life is being ruined by the wanton sanctioning of developments to feed the greed of others.

The underlying reasons for this have to be urgently studied, evaluated and acted upon by the authorities before it is too late.

Election Surprises

As usual there were several surprises in the elections. Some former Parliamentarians who worked really hard during the last legislature were left out. A few others who gave good value with their services were also surprisingly not re-elected.

I had some former friends in this latter category. My heart goes out to such individuals who have given a lifelong contribution to democracy and our Islands.

Now our Islands will of course be having the by-elections and the women’s additional quota is to be included.

I have my views on this. If we really want women to be part of Parliament, one has to evaluate many factors.

A woman may have children, a career, take care of their family and also enter politics. One valid point raised by some individuals was that if a woman has a professional career with a healthy income and provides for her family, why would she be interested to in entering parliament on a measly salary?

I do suggest that initially political parties must agree to allow Members of Parliament to choose if they want to be Full-Timers or stay, as they are at present, “Part-Timers.”

Child Care Centres have to be introduced in Parliament for the children of Women Deputies, as well as Parliament providing “Eating Facilities” in the Parliament Buildings.

These suggestions will definitely help both female and male deputies in their duties and have the peace of mind in also being able to take care of their families.

Parliamentary Abnormality

Personally I do consider it to be abnormal that a Professional Member of Parliament carries on with their private practice during their time in Parliament. Greedy developers can and most certainly will take advantage of hiring an MP to make submissions on their behalf thus ensuring that their proposals will more likely be accepted.

This is the Truth – the Whole Truth and Nothing But the Truth.

Things need to change for the better. That is why I am writing that initially Parliamentarians should have the choice of choosing between Full or Part Time but in the next Legislature it should be on “A Full-Time” basis.

His Holiness and The New Parliament

Let us all sincerely hope that as the Pope’s visit has brought together the Maltese and Gozitan peoples, that it will also unite our people during the coming years.

Lino DeBono

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