Partit Demokratiku today noted with concern that the Broadcasting Authority has signalled that candidates for May’s European Parliament elections may purchase radio slots to promote themselves. It is clear that such a system will unconstitutionally favour the two major political parties in Malta, whose success is greatly influenced by their infrastructure and fundraising capabilities, through which they can support their candidates.

“Major parties are in a position to dominate the Broadcasting Authority's radio through sheer purchasing power, violating Article 119 of the Constitution,” stated party leader Hon Godfrey Farrugia. “This article states that ‘It shall be the function of the Broadcasting Authority to ensure that, so far as possible, in such sound and television broadcasting services as may be provided in Malta, due impartiality is preserved in respect of matters of political or industrial controversy or relating to current public policy and that broadcasting facilities and time are fairly apportioned between persons belonging to different political parties.’"

Partit Demokratiku notes that the Broadcasting Authority lacks a true independent function that should merit such an impartial institution. This needs redress in itself. The current appointment of the members of the Broadcasting Authority is not made in the public interest but in the interest of the two major political parties. It is unfortunate that the Broadcasting Authority in Malta has been rendered as a political bi-partisan institution.