Gzira independent Local seat should be reopened for open contestation for independent candidates

Mario Fava, President of the Local Councils Association, has said that the Gżira council seat left vacant by Conrad Borg Manche will be filled following a vote among the local councillors.

Momentum says that this an abuse of power by PN and PL, who are going to decide exclusively amongst themselves who fills in the seat vacated by Independent Conrad Borg Manche’.Momentum leader, Prof. Arnold Cassola, stated: “The law is clear that when a party councillor vacates the seat, the same party has a right to co-opt a person of its choosing. However, PN and PL have no right to decide who replaces an independent candidate. The law states expressly “In filling a vacancy by co-option, regard shall be had to the representation as nearly as may be of the interests and opinions represented and held by the vacating councillor.”Since the vacating councillor was an independent, it stands to reason that the person replacing him has to “represent as nearly as may be of the interests and opinions represented and held by the vacating councillor.”

“It is evident that it is only an independent candidate that can represent these interests. Momentum is therefore demanding that the seat should be opened up for public election amongst the residents of Gzira only for independent candidates. We are sick and tired of PLPN trying to take over every possible elected position in this country, even when they are supposed not to be there”, concluded Arnold Cassola.

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