AD hopeful on electoral reform talks

The manner in which the talks on the electoral reform were suspended by the Nationalist Party was described as "unfortunate" by Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Harry Vassallo.

He added, however, that the declarations made in Parliament indicated that talks between the three parties could re-start without delay.

Dr Vassallo believes the talks should be based on the ground covered by the 1995 Gonzi Commission as well as the progress registered during the discussions held over the past weeks.

"Aspects of the speeches by the Prime Minister and by the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament on Monday were positive steps towards the development of an electoral system that is just and fair for all political parties," he said.

AD secretary general Stephen Cachia and deputy secretary general Jurgen Balzan had participated actively in the talks.

Dr Vassallo welcomed the positive development that the political parties seem to agree that Gozo should be declared a region for electoral purposes, avoiding the removal of Gozitan localities from the Gozo electoral district.