For the first time ever, local council elections will be held in 34 localities.
Jurgen Balzan
Sources close to the Electoral Commission have told MaltaToday that the writ for the next local councils election is expected to be issued this Thursday, in time for the 10 March election date that is set by law.
The indication is that local council elections for March will not be postponed for a later election date that could coincide with a general election.
The writ for local elections must be issued not later than 35 days before an election day. Since the date set by law is 10 March 2012, Friday is the latest day the writ can be issued.
MaltaToday is informed the voting documents will be handed over to police in order to be distributed on Thursday itself. The printing of the documents commenced last Saturday.
This indicates that government has no intention to postpone the local council elections. Electoral law dictates that local elections can only be brought forward or postponed by a maximum of six months in the eventuality of another election being called.
The writ for local elections is issued by the electoral commission since the date is set by law.
It is still unclear whether an election for the Sliema local council will be held on 10 March. The council is expected to be dissolved in the coming days.
Local councils are dissolved by order of the President - on advice of the Prime Minister - and an election must be then held within 30 days: if Sliema is to be included in the March elections, the council must be officially dissolved, at the latest, on 9 February.
Local elections will be held in 34 localities including Vittoriosa, Senglea, Qormi, Zebbug, Gzira, Mosta, St Julian's, St Paul's Bay and Swieqi.