Nationalist Party media (NET TV, Radio 101, Nazzjon, Mument, netnews.com.mt) have been told not to publish any articles concerning potential leadership candidates until the election for a new PN leader begins.

Employees have also been ordered to refrain from ‘liking’ or endorsing any candidates, the PN communications director has confirmed with The Malta Independent.

This newsroom had earlier been informed by sources say a directive had been issued by party officials containing the above information.

This had come after this newsroom noticed that party media did not publish anything after lawyer and outsider Adrian Delia was the first to announce his candidacy and was later followed by Chris Said.

A PN spokesperson told the newsroom that all party media have been told to begin to provide coverage for candidates once the nominations have been submitted and the election begins.

While Delia and Said have announced their intention to run in separate statements to the press, with the former giving an interview to The Malta Independent, the nomination period actually opens on 17 July.

A new leader will be selected through an internal election on 16 September, five days prior to the PN’s Independence Day celebrations.

The spokesperson ensured that party media will provide equal coverage for every candidate.

It was also revealed that party employees must refrain from endorsing any of the leadership candidates in order to ensure an open and transparent campaign.

MPs will be allowed to publically support any candidate.

It remains to be seen who else will throw their hat into the leadership race.

Current PN Leader Simon Busuttil will be addressing a General Council this evening concerning the contest.