Updated 5.25pm, adds PN statement

Magistrates Neville Camilleri and Audrey Demicoli and lawyers Christian Falzon Scerri and Ian Spiteri Bailey are to be appointed judges after a public call for nominations.

The Office of the President said in a statement on Thursday that a public call for nominations was issued in February and 29 nominations were received by the Judicial Appointments Committee. 

The committee then evaluated the candidates on the basis of the constitution and its own guidelines before making its recommendations to the President. The recommendations were unanimous. 

The committee also listed other candidates who it considered suitable to be appointed judges. They were (in alphabetical order) Dr Michael Camilleri, magistrates Doreen Clarke, Josette Demicoli, Donatella Frendo Dimech, Charmaine Galea, Natasha Galea Sciberras, Claire Stafrace Zammit and Gabriella Vella.

Repubblika welcomes the new judges

In a statement, the rule of law NGO Repubblika welcomed the appointment of the new judges and the other  candidates found to be suitable for the bench. 

The NGO said the new process for the nomination of judges was a significant step for the justice sector in the country, and it was proud to have played its part. 

It said it would continue to work to ensure that the rule of law prevailed in the country. 

Civil Court in Gozo should now be presided by judge - PN

In a statement, PN justice spokesman Joseph Ellis congratulated the new judges, who he said enjoyed universal respect for their integrity, efficiency and knowledge of the law.

He said that now that the new judges have been appointed, the government has no more reason to keep the Civil Court in Gozo, in its superior jurisdiction, from being presided by a judge.

The PN hoped that the law that permitted this and which has already been approved by Parliament will come into force in the coming days.