President George Vella has urged electoral candidates to honest and transparent about what they represent, and called on voters to fulfil their democratic right and vote in favour of the common good, not “sectoral or personal interests.”

In a message sent as a statement, Vella said that he felt obliged to remind all those involved in the upcoming general election, the date of which was announced on Sunday, of their duties as well as of the consequences that people may face if the exercise is not given the importance it deserves.

The President called on candidates to be “honest, sincere, and transparent in their commitments and to place citizens’ interest first and foremost.”

He also appealed to them to “clearly state their goals and the means they intend to employ to achieve them.”

“They should be unequivocal in order not to give rise to any surprises or misinterpretation in their implementation later on,” he said.

Finally, he appealed to all citizens to vote, saying that it is an important duty that “a democratic society expects us to serve with commitment and responsibility.”

He said that he felt obliged to remind all those involved in the upcoming general election, the date of which was announced on Sunday, of their duties as well as of the consequences that people may face if the exercise is not given the importance it deserves.

The President’s full message can be read below:

A general election is always an important event in the life of a democratic country.

It is the moment when citizens are asked to choose who they wish to lead their country, and also to choose which policies they would like to see implemented by those elected.

A democratic country is not considered as such, just because it holds free elections every few years. However, elections are an essential part of the functioning of democracy.

That is why such an exercise must be considered as a very important moment in the life of a democratic country.

Now that the date for our country’s general election has been announced, I feel that in addition to fulfilling my duties as President, I also feel obliged to remind all those involved in this general election of their duties, as well as the consequences that the people may face, if this exercise is not given the importance it deserves.

My first appeal goes to the candidates who decide to present themselves to be chosen as the leaders of our people.

I urge them to be honest, sincere, and transparent in their commitments and to place citizens’ interest first and foremost. I remind them that they should consider themselves primarily as those offering a service to the rest of the community with the aim of achieving the highest level of common good.

I also urge them to clearly state their goals and the means they intend to employ to achieve them. They should be unequivocal in order not to give rise to any surprises or misinterpretation in their implementation later on.

The people deserve the highest respect for their intelligence and for the trust they bestow on who will represent their interests in the running of our country.

I feel, in particular, that I should also recommend moderation and respect in the language used during the election campaign. In order to make arguments and explain differences between different opinions, one does not need to use defamatory words and insults, not least unnecessary accusations, especially if based on unfounded allegations.

The people are weary of listening to attacks and words of division. Our country needs unity and mutual respect. We may disagree, but it is important to show respect for each other. Our criticism must not be destructive in nature, but ideally made to offer better alternatives.

I call on the regulatory authorities in our country, as we are approaching this sensitive and delicate time, to carry out their duties scrupulously, carefully, impartially, and with all the responsibilities that come with the regulatory function they are entrusted with.

Above all, I appeal to all citizens who will be called upon to do their duty and choose who they believe should be entrusted to lead our country in the coming years.

I must reiterate that this is an important duty that a democratic society expects us to serve with commitment and responsibility. These choices will greatly determine where we will go as a country and what we might go through in the coming years. The choices we make today can have a huge impact on how we will deal with the problems and make the best use of the opportunities that our country will face in the coming years.

This choice must be made following serious reflection. This choice is not about personal interests, but rather about creating the greatest prosperity possible, for the benefit and wellbeing of the largest possible number of citizens.

This choice must prioritise the common good, not sectoral or personal interests.

I would like that these thoughts, advice, and wishes be taken as a sincere expression of my anticipation and hope for a country that is happier, more united, and more stable.

Our country deserves nothing less.

I conclude by hoping that in a most mature way we will go through the recently announced election and that in a most democratic manner, we will come to the best choice on who will be leading our country for the next five years.