The Prime Minister has not confirmed his attendance for the leaders debate which will be held at the University of Malta.

The much anticipated event is set to take place on Tuesday morning.

PN leader Simon Busuttil, PD leader Marlene Farrugia and AD Chairman Arnold Cassola have all confirmed their attendance.

Joseph Muscat, when he was asked by journalists to confirm whether he will be going or not, the Prime Minister replied that the event coincides with a state visit by the Ukrainian President.

“I have important and long diplomatic talks to attend to on that day,” he said when pressed to say if he will go or not.

Every election, University, and lately even MCAST, organise a debate between the party leaders.

Later today, the Malta Independent asked the PN leader whether he would be willing to challenge the Prime Minister for another debate should the Prime Minister choose not to attend the University leader's debate. Dr Busuttil said that he hopes that some kind of solution is found so that this important debate takes place.

"If this is an excuse or not, only time will tell. It is of utmost important that the public witnesses a debate between the two major parties before heading to the polls."

Dr Busuttil referred to the one time the Prime Minister accepted a head-on debate with him during Xarabank. "Muscat was refusing to appear for a public debate for three whole years," he said.