PN Calls for Law to Stop Pre-Election Power Abuse

PN’s David Stellini Calls for Law to Curb Pre-Election Power Abuse

Imagine this: just weeks before an election, a government announces a multi-million euro project in a marginal constituency. Coincidence? David Stellini, President of the Nationalist Party’s local council, thinks not. He’s calling for legislation to prevent such ‘abuse of power’ before elections.

Projects Proliferate Before Elections

Stellini, a long-time resident of Msida, has seen this pattern repeat itself time and again. “We’ve seen it happen in my locality, and across Malta,” he tells Hot Malta. “Just before an election, suddenly there are new projects, new initiatives, new money being thrown around.” He cites the recent announcement of a new sports complex in Msida as a prime example.

Legislation: The Way Forward

Stellini believes the solution lies in legislation. “We need a law that prevents such last-minute projects,” he says. “It should ensure that all projects are announced and started well before an election, so there’s no suspicion of vote-buying.” He suggests a cooling-off period of at least six months before an election, during which no new projects can be announced.

But Stellini isn’t just pointing fingers. He acknowledges that his own party has been guilty of similar tactics in the past. “It’s not about pointing the blame,” he says. “It’s about doing what’s right for Malta. We need to set a standard, and stick to it.”

Hot Malta reached out to the Office of the Prime Minister for comment, but received no response by the time of publication.