Labour delivers

This coming Saturday, all Maltese and Gozitans will be exercising the most basic form of political participation in the functioning of our democratic country – the right to vote. The right to vote is a pillar of free government and is one of the most important civil liberties known to man. Voting is a fundamental right exercised collectively by all of us in order to select our representatives, both in the European Parliament and in all 68 Local Councils.

This Saturday’s vote

Our vote will also mean that we will hold the candidates we elect accountable in everything that they do by virtue of the trust we give them. As accountable representatives, they will have to be constantly aware that they are answerable to our mandate and that they must provide ample proof of their sense of responsibility throughout their term of office in the political process.

Participation in the electoral process is therefore more than just a value – it is a fundamental ingredient of democracy. Elections strengthen democracy and provide social and individual security. In an election, power is transferred democratically and peacefully with the consent and choice of the majority. When elections are free and fair, they can be a powerful catalyst for human development, greater security and better governance. Voting means active citizenship; it means holding those elected responsible and answerable to the people.

Election campaigns and manifestos are meant to help informed citizens to make the right choices. People regularly observe what is going on in the community of which they are a part and try to understand both sides of an argument as to how things can be done better. It is a pity that, while people can witness with tangible proof Labour’s track record of delivering on its promises, this is sadly lacking on the other side of the local political scene, apart from an endless list of inconsistencies.

Worst cacophony ever

Indeed, it is sad for our democracy that a disintegrated Opposition still lives in denial after two consecutive thrashings at the polls. Instead of doing the job any self-respecting Opposition is expected to do, they are constantly screaming foul at anything under the sun with an endless cacophony of destructive criticism and a negative alienating attitude that is further dividing their already fractured and disjointed Party.

The Nationalist EP candidates, in particular, cannot boast of anything but badmouthing the country’s institutions within EU circles. They do this fully aware that they are threatening thousands of jobs and the country’s stability. This behaviour should be sufficient impetus for the Maltese and Gozitan electorate to understand the importance of exercising their right to vote in Saturday’s EP elections. Indeed, voting for all Labour candidates contesting for the EP is not merely a right but is also a responsibility – we must vote for candidates who love their country and are committed to safeguard Malta’s future in the international fora.

Voting is not compulsory but it is the responsibility of every citizen to participate in the electoral process, even more so when Malta’s socio-economic stability and livelihood are at stake. Voting is not merely a way of supporting a particular candidate or party but is a way of strengthening our democracy which, in turn – as has been amply proven during the last six years – has helped to build a fairer and more inclusive society.

These are the basic criteria that should move us to cast our vote on Saturday. It is the best opportunity for us to express our responsibility and commitment to the nation’s wellbeing and that of our local communities.

Gozo’s fourth vessel

Last Friday I had the honour of announcing the introduction of a fourth ferry to join the current Gozo Channel’s fleet. The new vessel will begin operating in the coming days, will help increase the company’s efficiency and will make life easier for those needing to cross the channel. The change in schedule with the introduction of a fourth ferry will translate into more trips with three vessels instead of two and another vessel with a schedule to transport commercial vehicles.

On my trip to Corfu, which started last Thursday, to see the