The saga and impasse created by the current political situation is truly a comic tragedy. In such a small country, the man in the street is watching a show that truly brings out the weaknesses of our system of political representation. Not only is Malta over-administered through Parliament and local councils, this over-administration is also not producing the stability and efficiency that should be its end results.

Malta desperately needs delegation of democracy to the citizen not once every five or two years but on a daily basis. Referenda questions should become part and parcel of the political culture in this small country of ours and not when the government of the day feels that the issue should be decided through referenda (as in the case of divorce, independence, integration and so on).

There is enough evidence to suggest that referenda are an efficient alternative to representative democracy not only in theory but in practice as well. Malta should truly be the light and example in the Mediterranean. In the same way that Switzerland is at the heart of Europe and sets a fine example in implementing referenda, Malta is at the heart of the Mediterranean Sea and should and can do likewise. Given the size and its volatile economy, it needs a united front in managing its affairs.

Malta Incorporated (an amalgamated Malta) is not an elusive dream but something that can take place by encouraging a system that promotes the least possible politically biased decisions. The government and the opposition waste so much time and energy debating between them, when an educated citizen can contribute so much if only properly consulted.

Gone are the days when the government was the only body that can do all things on behalf of the people. The people have access to so much information through information technology, that it has become relatively easy for the citizen to make intelligent and wise decisions for its country with the least sensationalism and controversy possible.

The Arriva Bus service or ‘disservice’ could have been easily avoided if it was referred to the public through referenda as well as the many upheavals in the transport system that resulted. A re-shaping and re-thinking of our methods of governance needs to be done.

The two parties need to come together and together suggest reforms to introduce direct democracy. I would suggest as starters the books Budget Referenda: An efficient alternative to Representative Democracy by Roger A. Arnold and Thomas L. Wynich, and The Initiative & Referendum Institute Europe Guidebook to Direct Democracy in Switzerland and Beyond (2008 edition). These books and many others are available free online and give so much ‘food for thought’ to alleviate the constant pressure on politicians into direct democracy by the citizens. Democracy is something to be shared if it is to be true democracy!

Anthony Zarb Dimech