Alternattiva Demokratika will be fielding six candidates to contest the forthcoming Local Council Elections to be held on 12 March. The candidates, who will be contesting the localities of Pembroke, Mellieha, St Julian’s, Nadur, Iklin and St Paul’s Bay, were presented to the media at a press conference held at AD’s office in Sliema yesterday.

In a short speech, AD Deputy Chairman, Mario Mallia said these candidates have integrity and good qualities and were chosen after a scrutinisation process, which ensures their viability for local government. Mr Mallia said AD’s philosophy has always been focused on quality rather than quantity, adding that the team will be involved in an exciting adventure and will work hard to provide the input for the betterment of their respective towns and villages.

AD Chairman Dr Harry Vassallo said the party has always worked on the maxim of thinking globally and acting locally. He said that due to the entrenched two-party system in Malta, everything is done for political gain adding that AD has always attempted to rise above party politics and address the real issues in its 15-year history.

Dr Vassallo said this team of candidates continues to reinforce AD’s strategy of tackling issues that are ignored by the two major parties without fear or favour. He said that we can work to improve the quality of life even on a local level and the Green politicians now have extensive experience in top-level politics and administration throughout the world.

Asked by The Malta Independent on Sunday on what criteria AD determines where to contest the elections, Dr Vassallo said that this was not a topographical exercise but one based on the willingness of suitably qualified candidates to come forward. Commenting on the recent amendments to the Local Councils Act, Dr Vassallo said it was scandalous that a party with 9.3 per cent of the national vote was not consulted on this important legislative decision. Dr Vassallo urged all voters to use their vote intelligently and not resort to simple block voting as happened in the European Parlaiment Elections.