Voters urged to choose MEPs by ability, not party loyalty

The European Parliament elections are not about party loyalties or affiliations but about individual merits and abilities, the head of the EP Office in Malta, Julian Vassallo, said yesterday.

He urged everyone to vote in June's MEP elections, even those with no party affiliation, saying this should not be the only driving force behind voter participation.

He was speaking at the launch of the Europe Close to You Fair, a yearly event aimed at bringing EU institutions closer to citizens, which kicked off in Freedom Square, Valletta.

Dr Vassallo said candidates would need the ability to convince fellow MEPs and sway their political groups, as the EP has a "very different dynamic" from that found locally.

Qualities which make local politicians capable for office did not necessarily mean they were equally capable of being an MEP, he stressed.

Additionally, in view of the ever increasing powers of the EP, Maltese votes also represented the country's stand on important policy decisions within the EU.

"It is a choice of individuals who can represent Malta best," he said, stressing that the choice lay with the voters on June 6.

The fair also marks the start of the EP's Bring-out-the-vote Campaign in Malta, which was launched by Joanna Drake, head of the European Commission Representation and Dr Vassallo.

"We want to lay special emphasis on the values of diversity and anti-discrimination, which loom large on the EU's social agenda," Dr Drake said.

The fair's programme of events includes runs of Krexx, an original short play targeting school children, as well as tours for students.

The fair's main highlight is an evening debate targeting young people on Friday at 7 p.m., titled Let's Get Loud, where participants will discuss the EU. The event kicks off with a performance by Winter Moods.

A debate is also planned for Saturday morning, when Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Opposition leader Joseph Muscat and Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Arnold Cassola will debate Social Europe, Social Malta.

During yesterday's launch, Victor Vella, from Union Print, received the national journalist award 2008 in the fifth edition of the EU campaign For Diversity, Against Discrimination. Julia Farrugia, a journalist with MediaToday Publications, was awarded a prize for her entry dealing with the Roma people.