Op-ed: Malta needs electoral reform

Until 1987, strategically shaping electoral districts within Malta’s 13 boundaries could determine the outcome of an election. This was starkly evident in 1981 when the Labour Party secured a majority of parliamentary seats despite winning fewer votes than the PN. The controversial result sparked widespread unrest. A majority rule clause was then inserted in the constitution, ensuring that the party winning an absolute majority of votes would have the right to govern. As that safety mechanism only kicks in when two parties are represented in parliament some fear there could be a 1981 repeat. The nascent of new political parties can only fuel such fears. Still, rather than raising the spectre of another perverse electoral result, as, hopefully, we have learnt our lessons, the latest proposals to adjust the boundaries should best be viewed as a clarion call for electoral reform.
Read the full article here: Times of Malta