The Nationalist Party’s Electoral Commission has turned down a suggestion made by deputy leader Robert Arrigo to have the PN leadership election postponed.

Arrigo said in a letter to the commission that the election should be delayed as coronavirus cases numbers remain high.

In a statement, the commission said that it has been preparing for the election for weeks, taking into account the advice given by health authorities. The fact that the wife of one of the candidates tested positive does not change the plans and adds no pressure on the organisation.

The commission said it always put the members’ health at the forefront in its considerations, so much so that although one day of voting would have been enough, it has spread voting over 10 days to allow for better social distancing measures to be put into practice.

The commission said it will be fumigating every polling station, will allow voters to bring their own pens or pencil and ensure that all voters will be wearing masks or visors. The temperature will be taken and disinfectant will be used before and after voting.