editorial

A storm that need not be

The storm over the electoral register has led to the resignation of four representatives on the Electoral Commission. They were directly picked by Alfred Sant some months ago.

Their decision to resign was explained in an animated letter that they wrote to the President of the Republic, on Wednesday.

Our description of their decision to resign is that it is absolute puerility at its best.

Now, we are in no mood to repeat Prime Ministerial decrees, but we do agree with one point raised in his letter on the subject: yes, the members on the electoral commission, owe their loyality to the Constitution.

Now, most Maltese on commissions; Nationalist and Labourite alike, extend their allegiance - sadly - to their party.

It is very likely that the resignations, were captained by Alfred Sant to coincide with the demonstration in front of the Electoral Commission’s office in Valletta on Thursday.

We would be very surprised if the MLP reps on the commission led by the not very affable Dr Anna Mallia had not communicated with Dr Sant for his advice.

Which brings us to the issue of electoral registers and systems.

It is a disgrace that Alfred Sant and his acolytes are worried over the veracity of the people’s register, but not in the least perturbed that the electoral system we have today simply stinks and is unworthy of real democracy.

We all remember that Dr Sant, supported by the sheepishness of the Nationalist party at the time, accepted a process that castigates minorities and ignores a large amount of voters who choose to vote for another party other than the PN and MLP.

But, of course, this did not cross Dr Sant’s mind when he traced the tactics for a new campaign on a pastry wrapper.

Which raises the question: Is Dr Sant just looking for a fight?

And if he is, then let him grapple and battle.

If Dr Sant wants to boycott the electoral system, then let it be so. Because at the end of the day, one cannot see the government giving in and one cannot see Dr Sant boycotting the elections.

This country has no more time for silly skirmishes that are played out for the sake of one’s stratagems, whether they be blue, red, green or yellow.

Ban or regulate the spotter planes

The use of spotter planes from Malta International airport, to single out the exact location of tuna, should be stopped by the Maltese authorities.

The spotter planes are based at a Maltese airport and are used to radio-link with foreign trawlers that target the tuna with their deadly purse seine nets, a fishing technique criticised by various international authorities.

What does Malta have to lose if it legislates to regulate such activities? Local fishermen will be delighted.

Such a move would also be applauded by environmentalists, abroad and locally, and it will also find the support of many European MPs.

Yes, the Government should address this problem and stand by the local fishermen. And it would fit in with Malta’s request for a conservation zone around the Islands.