News • 26 January 2003

Paul Muscat to contest as independent in Bormla

By Kurt Sansone

Bormla - Former Bormla mayor and Labour Party black sheep, Paul Muscat will contest the forthcoming Bormla local election as an independent candidate.
Mr Muscat said he intended keeping the promise made last year that he will contest the elections as an independent. His motto is: ‘assistance to the under privileged’ (Assistenza lil batuti).
The former mayor fell out with the Labour Party after admitting he invented allegations that Alfred Sant’s election as leader of the party was tarnished by vote-rigging.
However, despite being banished by the Labour Party, Mr Muscat retained his post as mayor and was even backed by the majority of Labour councillors. Eventually, last year, the Labour councillors gave in to pressure from the Labour Party’s central administration and retracted their support for Mr Muscat. Nonetheless, Mr Muscat retained his council seat as an independent.
The former mayor also faces allegations mismanagement of funds during his term as mayor. The court case on the issue is due to be heard on 13 February.
Contacted by MaltaToday Mr Muscat said the people of Bormla encouraged him to contest the election. He refrained from predicting the outcome of the election saying that anything was possible.
Three years ago Paul Muscat contested the election on behalf of the Labour Party and polled the highest number of first count votes - 695 votes.
The Bormla council elects seven councillors. In 2000 the Labour Party elected six councillors with the other council seat going to the Nationalist Party.
Paul Muscat’s re-election bid is a thorn in Labour’s side. Bormla is a Labour Party hot bed but the Cottonera city has had a chequered history with its mayors. Another former Bormla mayor, Joe Carbonaro, known for his Labour sympathies, also fell out with the Labour Party.
Local elections are due on 8 March in 23 localities. Nominations for prospective candidates open tomorrow and close on Wednesday.
kurt@maltamag.com