The Nationalist Party has filed a motion in Parliament to revoke a recently released Legal Notice, which its says, effectively cancels elections for administrative councils in 16 communities that were meant to take place on 25 May.

The 16 communities are Marsalforn in Zebbug Gozo, Xlendi in Munxar Gozo, Santa Luqija in Kercem Gozo, Paceville in St Julian’s, Kappara in San Gwann, Madliena in San Gwann, Bubaqra in Zurrieq, Fleur-de-Lys in Birkirkara, Tal-Virtu in Rabat, Hal Farrug in Luqa, St Peter’s in Zabbar, Swatar in Birkirkara and Msida, Burmarrad in St Paul’s Bay, Bahar ic-Caghaq in Naxxar, and Gwardamangia in Pieta.

Presenting the motion to the Speaker of the House, PN Deputy Leader David Agius, Whip Robert Cutajar and MP Karol Aquilina argued that local councils are important to the Opposition, as are these administrative councils. Through the legal notice, the PN said, government is going against the devolution of power.

The elections for these administrative councils were scheduled to occur in May, they said, adding that government has no electoral mandate to stop the work of administrative councils for communities. Some of these communities, like Bahar ic-Caghaq are large, while others are small, but all have a right to vote for their representatives, the PN representatives said.