President writes to both parties over Cassola

President Guido de Marco yesterday wrote to the general secretaries of the two major political parties over the Labour Party's application to have Alternattiva Demokratika's EU spokesman Arnold Cassola struck off the electoral register.

Prof. de Marco attached a copy of a letter written to him by AD chairman Harry Vassallo the previous day and requested the two general secretaries to read it and see what could be done about the matter.

Dr Vassallo had asked the President to appeal for the withdrawal of the application.

The MLP claims Prof. Cassola has been absent from Malta for more than six months in the last 18 months, which would make him ineligible to vote.

Dr Vassallo had told the President: "While it may be possible that Prof. Cassola may have been absent from Malta for more than six months in the past 18 months - thus allowing for the filing of such an objection in terms of the constitution - there can be no doubt that no legislator ever intended penalising those who are manifestly well informed as to the political situation of the country and who have a clear, concrete and personal interest to vote and stand for election."

Prof. Cassola is also the secretary general of the European Greens, which is why he spends extended periods away from Malta.