PN supports bill allowing 16-year-old mayors but points out legal anomalies

The Nationalist Party is not against a draft bill that would allow individuals under the age of 18 to become mayors or deputy mayors, but the rectification of legal anomalies put forth in the amendment needs to be addressed, Nationalist MP Darren Carabott said on Tuesday.

Addressing parliament in a debate on the bill, Carabott appealed for the rectification of legal anomalies affecting individuals aged 16 and 17 who aspire to become mayors.

The changes proposed by the government seek to allow councillors aged sixteen and above to become eligible for Mayor and Deputy Mayor positions, provided they receive the most votes or the second most votes in the party that wins the locality.

READ MORE: Government puts forward Bill that allows 16-year-olds to become mayors

"Let's take at face value the drafts that are being presented," Carabott said before presenting in parliament two examples of such anomalies.

One of these disparities revolved around the ability of a 16-year-old mayor to purchase property on behalf of the local council, yet they remained ineligible to acquire property personally.

He also spoke about the joint juridical and legal representation by the mayor and the executive secretary posing difficulties, especially when the mayor is a minor.

"These are the legal problems for which I would like to see solutions," Carabott reiterated.

Carabott urged the government to address these issues for the sake of consistency, citing the cases of Abraham Aquilina from Għargħur and Carlos Zarb from San Pawl il-Baħar, both of whom secured the majority of votes in their localities but couldn't assume mayoral roles due to the existing legal impediments.

The PN MP stressed the enduring relevance of local councils, advocating for the preservation of their responsibilities and powers.

He expressed concern about the limitations faced by mayors and councillors in aiding residents across various sectors, including road management, traffic, and enforcement, resulting in an influx of complaints forwarded to higher authorities.

He stressed the importance of preserving public interest and youth engagement in light of recent events, including the Prime Minister's criticism of the judiciary.

READ MORE: [WATCH] Mayors at 16: Alison Zerafa Civelli says it empowers youth

Meanwhile, Parliamentary Secretary for Local Councils Alison Zerafa Civelli said that this change is in line with the government's ongoing efforts to integrate the youth into the political decision-making process.

“The journey towards these amendments began with the introduction of Vote 16, a move that expanded democracy's horizons and gave young people the right to vote,” she explained.

Subsequent amendments in 2019 further allowed individuals from the age of sixteen to participate in local council elections, serving and contributing to their local communities.

The 2019 local council elections saw several young candidates elected, gaining valuable experience in local politics.

Zerafa Civelli also mentioned Abraham Aquilina and Carlos Zarb when highlighting the importance of fostering young leadership in local politics and stressed that age should not be a determining factor in leadership ability.