ADPD presents its election candidates

ADPD-The Green Party has launched its general election campaign and presented its candidates, with deputy secretary general Mario Mallia saying the party's central message this election is the common good.

The launch was held at Ġnien John Borg in Birkirkara on Sunday, where they pointed out that the choice of an open community space was deliberate and symbolic of the party's central message.

"In the past, as a councillor on behalf of Alternattiva Demokratika, we had worked together with residents and other councillors to stop this green lung from falling victim to development, not once, but twice," Mallia said. "A green lung that is practically unique in a locality packed with buildings is still being enjoyed by the community today as a result of our work."

Mallia said the garden also serves as a playing field for children, which he described as a reminder of the political duty to think beyond narrow, short-term interests and protect the rights of future generations. "Our country is only lent to us," he said.

The party used the occasion to sharpen its message to voters who have grown tired of mainstream politics. Mallia said that over the past month alone there had been numerous cases of open land being taken over for the benefit of the few.

He said ADPD remained "the shield of residents against reckless speculation that is burying entire communities, destroying what makes us unique, with consequences for well-being and sustainability, both social and economic."

Addressing voters who are considering abstaining, Mallia said the message from ADPD was straightforward: "If you want different politics, you need to vote for it. Don't hold back. You have nothing to lose."

The party said it would continue to work for clean, inclusive, sustainable and fair politics.

ADPD is fielding the following candidates at the election:

• Districts 1 and 9: Mark Zerafa (Birkirkara), Senior Laboratory Officer
• Districts 2 and 8: Mario Mallia (Birkirkara), Senior Lecturer
• Districts 3 and 4: Brian Decelis (Marsascala), Operations Manager
• District 5: Dr Melissa Bagley (Birżebbuġa), Senior Lecturer
• Districts 6 and 12: Sandra Gauci (St Paul's Bay), Teacher
• Districts 7 and 11: Carmel Cacopardo (Kalkara), Architect
• District 10: Marcus Lauri (Sliema), Company Director
• Districts 12 and 13: Luke Caruana (Mellieħa), Graphic Designer.