Voters who switched from PN to Labour more likely to believe there’s corruption in public contracts

Labour voters who believe that “there is corruption” in the award of government contracts and in the issuance of planning permits, outnumber other PL voters who believe there is no corruption in these two crucial aspects of public administration.

A MaltaToday survey carried out last week has shown that among switchers – respondents who voted PN in 2008 and PL in 2013 – the perception of corruption in planning and contracts is even greater.

The survey shows 38% of PL voters in 2013 believing that there is corruption in the award of government contracts, and 39% believing that there is corruption in the Planning Authority.

On the other hand only 26% of PL voters believe that there is no corruption in the award of government contracts and only 27% believe that there is no corruption in the planning authority. 

Among former PN voters who switched to vote PL in 2013, 73% believe that there is corruption in the award of public contracts while 60% believe that there is corruption in the planning authority.

The survey also shows that a majority of switchers (53%) believe that in general contracts, permits and government jobs are being awarded to people with the right political contacts. 

Only 20% of switchers believe that jobs, permits and contracts are awarded on the basis of merit. 

Even among Labour voters only 38% believe that these are awarded in the basis of merit while 28% replied that these are awarded to people who know politicians. A further 21% replied “depends”.