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

Imagine this: it’s a sunny afternoon in Valletta, and you’re strolling along Republic Street, the heart of Malta’s capital. You pass by the Grandmaster’s Palace, turn left onto Merchant Street, and suddenly, you’re face-to-face with a political billboard. But this one’s different. It’s blank. No party logos, no smiling candidates, no promises. Just a simple question: “Show me the money.”

Money Talks, But How Much?

In Malta, political parties are required to disclose their campaign spending. But how much is ‘too much’? The current limit is €100,000 for a general election. That’s around €2 per voter. Not bad, considering Malta’s population is just over 500,000. But is it enough? Too much? Or just right?

Take the 2019 European Parliament elections, for instance. The Nationalist Party (PN) spent €113,000, while the Labour Party (PL) spent €105,000. Both exceeded the limit, but no fines were imposed. Why? Because the law allows for overspending, as long as it’s not more than 10% over the limit.

Cash for Votes?

Money in politics isn’t just about billboards and leaflets. It’s also about what happens behind the scenes. In Malta, political parties receive public funding based on their electoral performance. The more votes, the more money. But is this a recipe for corruption?

In 2017, the European Commission raised concerns about Malta’s political financing. They noted that the lack of transparency and regulation could lead to ‘cash for votes’ scenarios. Scary stuff, especially in a country where political scandals are as common as sunshine.

Transparency: The Elephant in the Room

So, what’s the solution? Transparency, say many. But how? Some suggest lowering the spending limit. Others want stricter enforcement of the rules. A few even propose banning corporate donations altogether.

But it’s not just about the law. It’s about culture too. Malta’s political culture is deeply ingrained, and change doesn’t come easy. But it’s not impossible. Just look at the recent protests against corruption. Thousands of Maltese took to the streets, demanding change. That’s a start.

So, back to our billboard. Is it a call for more money in politics? Or less? Or maybe, just maybe, it’s a call for something else. Something we can’t see, but we know is there. Something called transparency.

“Money doesn’t talk, it swears.” – Bob Dylan