ADPD deputy leader Carmel Cacopardo is insisting on greater transparency about how election surveys are conducted.

Writing in an opinion piece today, Cacopardo said polls should provide more detailed information on their methodology so that the public can better judge the reliability of the results being presented.

He noted that opinion polls have become a constant feature of election campaigns, shaping debate and attempting to identify trends and predict outcomes. While some argue that polls can influence voter behaviour, Cacopardo said banning their publication could be an infringement on fundamental human rights.

Cacopardo is suggesting that pollsters should instead explain issues such as the number of calls made to obtain a sample, arguing that such a detail is essential to assess accuracy.

It would be appropriate if the "methodology used is explained in more detail. Transparency is essential, even in opinion polls," he writes.

During the election campaign several surveys were carried out, all indicating a Labour Party victory. In these surveys, the margin between the two bigger parties ranged from 17,000 to 33,000.

Carmel Cacopardo's article may be found here