Adrian Delia and Alex Borg barred from debating each other

Adrian Delia and Alex Borg have been barred from debating or even referring to one another under rules issued by the Nationalist Party ahead of the leadership contest.

"Interviews must be conducted separately with each prospective candidate and not in the form of a debate. At no point should both prospective candidates be present in an interview at the same time," the rules issued by the PN administration said.

No reference should be made, either by the prospective candidate being interviewed or by the interviewer, to the other candidates, the rules say.

In 2020, during the last PN leadership election between then leader Delia and Bernard Grech, who was then a rising star within the party, the two candidates debated in a television broadcast moderated by then Times of Malta assistant editor Matthew Xuereb. 

The PL, which held a leadership election earlier that year, also had a debate between Robert Abela and Chris Fearne. During that event, several journalists quizzed the two who were vying to become prime minister.

Delia and Borg are both competing to become the PN's next leader after Bernard Grech announced his resignation in June. 

Technically, neither is officially a candidate, as they must undergo a due diligence process and submit a formal nomination. Once that is completed, the formal electoral campaign kicks off.

Adrian Delia, left, and Bernard Grech, right, with Matthew Xuereb.

The document, signed by PN electoral commission chair Mario Callus, provides separate rules for the campaign and the remaining period until the official campaign begins.

Debates are barred in both phases of the leadership election process.

Before the official campaign begins, Delia and Borg may be interviewed by media houses that are not Net, the PN’s media arm. However, they must first be approved by the PN administration.

PN electoral commission chair Callus said approved media houses must provide equal time to each candidate and abide by the rules approved by the Nationalist Party.

“The interviews should serve the purpose of informing the public about the prospective candidate being interviewed and their vision for the future of the Nationalist Party, and no reference should be made, either by the prospective candidate being interviewed or by the interviewer, to the other candidate."

"If an independent media house does not observe these regulations, it will be disqualified from being given further opportunities in this campaign," Callus said.

The prospective candidates may not appear on One or any other Labour Party media.

Robert Abela and Chris Fearne faced each other in January 2020. Photo: Facebook

Once the official campaign begins, Delia and Borg cannot appear on media that is not Net and party-owned newspapers.

On Net television and radio, and newspapers Il-Mument and In-Nazzjon, the two candidates will be given equal time and prominence. They will also be given a minute and a half during Net’s evening news bulletins to broadcast campaign adverts.

Canvassers cannot appear on behalf of candidates on independent media.

Delia and Borg may organise events throughout Malta’s PN clubs. Committees running the clubs must provide equal access to the two, Callus said.

Callus also laid down rules on social media, namely, not to foster antagonism towards their opponent.

"One of the most important elements in today's life is social media. Many turn to platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, YouTube, and others to obtain information that influences the shaping of opinions in favour of or against a person or subject.

“It is therefore of utmost importance that prospective candidates do not allow, insofar as it depends on them, the cultivation of a climate of negativity and antagonism towards the other candidate.”