Marco Bonnici, one of the candidates for the post of President of the Malta Union of Teachers, has accused his opponent Franklin Barbara of hijacking the electoral process.
In a statement, Mr Bonnici said that he trusts the electoral commission which was unanimously approved during the MUT general conference.
He said that earlier today, as the electoral board started the process, candidate Franklin Barabara and another individual "hijacked the electoral process".
"Going against every established procedure, Mr Barbara gave the board members instruction to throw the Administrative Secretary of the Union out of the meeting. The latter was trying to help with administrative logistics."
Mr Bonnici, who currently holds the post of Senior Vice President of the Union, said that these actions go against the democratic processes which the Union abides with.
"As a candidate for this same election, I have full faith in the board and in the electoral process. No one has the authority to interfere with the serenity of the board of the Union."
This MUT presidency election has caused an unusual, uncomfortable exit for outgoing President Kevin Bonello.
Franklin Barbara insists claim is completely false, seeking legal advice
Reached for a comment by The Malta Independent, Franklin Barbara said that these allegations made by Mr Bonnici are "completely false". He also said that he is seeking legal advice on how to proceed on the matter.
Asked to explain what happened, Mr Barabara said that he had a meeting with the electoral board and at one point, a union employee entered the room. "I did not know that he was a secretary of the board and I told him that I only wanted to speak with the board."
"This is it. I did not throw anyone out of the room as Mr Bonnici claimed."