Election Desk: Show me the money (or don’t?)

Standing outside the Finance Ministry on Republic Street, Malta, you can’t help but notice the stark contrast between the grand neoclassical building and the humble election campaign posters plastered around it. As the 2022 local council elections approach, the question on everyone’s mind is: how much influence does money have on our democracy?

Money Talks, But How Much?

In Malta, political parties are allowed to spend up to €1.5 million during an election campaign. But is this enough to tip the scales in favour of the deepest pockets? The answer, according to Dr. Joseph Caruana, political scientist at the University of Malta, is nuanced. “Money can’t buy votes, but it can buy visibility,” he says. “And in an election, visibility is key.”

Take the Labour Party’s recent billboard campaign, for instance. With its sleek design and prominent placement along Malta’s main thoroughfares, it’s hard to miss. But is it fair? The Nationalist Party has cried foul, arguing that the ruling party has an unfair advantage due to its access to state resources. Labour, however, maintains that it’s simply making the most of its mandate.

Transparency: The Elephant in the Room

While political parties are required to declare their spending, the lack of real-time disclosure leaves room for doubt. “We only see the final figures after the election,” says Dr. Caruana. “By then, it’s too late to hold anyone accountable.”

This is where initiatives like ‘Follow the Money’, a collaborative project between several local NGOs, come in. By crowdsourcing data and using innovative tools, they aim to shine a light on political financing in real-time. “We believe that transparency is the best antidote to corruption,” says the project’s coordinator, Marthese Portelli.

Can We Do Better?

Malta is not alone in grappling with these issues. Across Europe, political parties are facing increased scrutiny over their funding. Some countries, like the UK, have introduced caps on campaign spending. Others, like Sweden, have introduced public funding to level the playing field.

Here in Malta, the conversation is just beginning. But as we head to the polls, one thing is clear: we need to talk about money. Because in a democracy, every vote should count. And every voter deserves to know who’s paying for the promises being made.

“Money should amplify voices, not drown them out,” says Marthese Portelli. “That’s the kind of democracy we should be fighting for.”