The Association of Judges and Magistrates of Malta has called for the urgent appointment of more judges and magistrates.

The Association, in a statement, said that it recently held its Annual General Meeting. "In the General Meeting the members discussed various issues pertaining to the efficient and effective operation of the courts."

"The General Meeting unanimously agreed to insist with the authorities that new members of the Judiciary should be appointed with urgency as the current workload on the courts is such that the present number of Judges and Magistrates are not able to cope with that work in an efficient and effective manner."

The General Meeting unanimously also agreed to insist with the Ministry of Justice and the Court Services Agency to ensure that the courts are given all the necessary tools, both as regards to staff as well as IT equipment so as to be able to function in an efficient and effective manner.

Finally the General Meeting unanimously also agreed that serious attempts need to be made to update and improve the Civil and Criminal procedure legislation in order to expedite proceedings before the court.

The General Meeting, whilst thanking the outgoing Committee for its work, proceeded to elect its new committee for the next two years which is now the following; Mr. Justice Francesco Depasquale, President; Madame Justice Joanne Vella Cuschieri, Secretary; Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit, Vice President; Magistrate Josette Demicoli, Treasurer; Mr. Justice Aaron Bugeja, International Secretary.