Wanted: a battle of ideas

One would expect that the contestation would happen without any preferential treatment, given to a candidate selected by a closed circle of party functionaries, or even the Prime Minister himself.

Indeed, it is clear that Simon Busuttil (following the Prime Minister's decision to appoint him as his delegate) has a clear advantage over all the other potential candidates.

From a democratic perspective, it is clear that the larger the number of nominations, the better.

It will certainly put a lid on the February sham - last February's one-nomination party leadership election.

Certain important matters must however be kept in mind. The post has a term not exceeding at the most six months till the election, after which time the deputy leader will have to be re-elected by the general council.

These are strong enough reasons for us to suspect that there will be few sacrificial lambs for the taking. Consequently, we suspect that few hats will be thrown in the ring.

Political caution may dictate that potential candidates remain focused on the post-election scenario, rather than get bogged down in contesting a ceremonial post carrying a political fallout, in the event of a party defeat. PN party strategists should consider the political advantages available to the party, if the Electoral College were widened to include all party members, rather than restricting it to the 800 party councillors. The advantages are all apparent.

Such a bold political move - apart from being a first in Malta - could potentially galvanise the PN's grass roots on the eve of an election. 

It will narrow the gap between the party and its grass roots, and could serve as a platform for a health debate and a fight for the soul of the party. 

The PN is in dire need of some 'enthusiasm'.

What the PN needs at present is an open ideological debate, allowing both its conservative and liberal wings to have an open battle of ideas.

Politics is not just about who occupies the post of deputy leader, but most especially about what the deputy leader believes in, and what their ideas are.

What project does he or she have for the future?

What society does he or she envisage?

In an age where politics is simply dominated by the candidate's superficial layer, a tired electorate is crying out for substance - which is so evidently lacking in the superficial billboards presented by both of the political parties.

The burning issues of party financing, electoral reform, term appointments, increased checks and balances, a culture of resignations, same sex marriage and IVF all need to be openly discussed with each candidate for the post of deputy leader, and we should know what their take on each issue is.

The names are secondary. It is the ideas which need to be floated around. With the party at a cross roads, what better way is there to get a sense of the grass-roots view, than opening up the Electoral College?

The eight years since our admission to the European Union should have created a political class with an imbued European culture. Unfortunately, this has not materialised.

Ideas and ideals planted in Europe for centuries remain distrusted by many local politicians - the separation of Church and State and the culture of resignations, are two of many cases.

Why is it that 48 years after Independence, we still have not managed to elevate national broadcasting to serve as the voice of all Maltese people, rather than just the dominant political class?

Why is it that political resignations are the exception and not the rule? Why aren't people grilled in parliament prior to being nominated (as is customary in all mature democracies)?

This deputy leadership election may simply seem to be about filling a vacant post. The ramifications are far wider. It is an opportunity for the younger generation to have a bigger say in the policy-deciding process, bringing to the table of a tired party fresh ideas, motivated by strong European ideals.