Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1197486
11 THE Republic requires much more than a quick fix. At Alternattiva Demokratika we have drawn up a document outlining the various issues which need to be addressed in a Consti- tutional Convention: ranging from an increased role for Parlia- ment in running the Republic to the President's Office having some real bite. Others have done a similar exer- cise producing a number of proposals worth considering. At the end of the day, however, the elephant in the room is clientelism, which is ingrained in practically all things Maltese. It is not a modern phenomenon but it has been capable of adapting itself, such that it is practi- cally ingrained within and around the electoral process. There in nothing untoward in con- stituents turning on their MP or dis- trict candidate to seek guidance in navigating the bureaucratic labyrinth of government departments and au- thorities – even though the "customer care" in departments and authorities, nowadays offers reasonable help. Things take a wrong turn, however, when such contacts between MPs/election can- didates start being used for developing short-lists for state benefits with politi- cal loyalty contributing to a high position in the per- ceived short-list. This is resulting in cashing favours into votes and vice-versa. The basic incentive for such exercises is the nature of our electoral system in which each and every electoral can- didate in an electoral district does not only compete with opposing parties on the basis of vision and ideas. Depending on his contacts and power of incumbency, an electoral candidate can also use the local electoral system to dish out favours post-election or to cash favours already done before the election date. This is not a new invention. It has been used and perfected since 1921 when the single transferable vote (STV) electoral system was put in place by the British colonial masters. There are various examples which il- lustrate the manner in which it has been applied. One of the earliest goes back to May 1922, when just six months after the first elections mak- ing use of the STV, a motion was brought before the Legislative As- sembly accusing the then government of having committed abuses in terms of promotions, transfers, payment of salaries and management of the civil service. Clientelism in Malta has very deep roots. It prioritises individual inter- ests over the common good. If not checked once and for all not much headway can be made in the long road to achieving good governance in the Republic. Carmel Cacopardo is chairman of Alternattiva Demokratika – the Green Party maltatoday | SUNDAY • 5 JANUARY 2020 LOOKING FORWARD 20 20 4. Keith Schembri's fate It will have to be seen whether police investigations into the Caruana Galizia murder will lead to further arrests and arraignments, not least that of the Prime Minister's former chief-of -taff Keith Schembri. The new year will seal the fate – either way – of Schembri and possibly that of others who have been mentioned by the middleman and Fenech. 5. Caruana Galizia public inquiry The public inquiry's nine- month term will come to an end in in the second half of the year and its deliberations and conclusions are expected to shed more light on the workings of the State and its failings. Among other aspects, the inquiry will determine whether the State did enough to prevent the murder and offer protection to the journalist. 6. Economic blues The Central Bank of Malta has warned that if political uncertainty persists into the new year, the sudden drop in consumption and the brakes on investment witnessed in December could have an impact on public finances and the economy. The new administration taking over from Muscat in January will have to act fast to rekindle trust in the institutions and end the uncertainty. 7. Adrian Delia's future Opposition leader Adrian Delia may have to deal with rumblings within his party unhappy over his performance. Despite polling data showing the PN posting gains since October, the progress is not proportional to the magnitude of the crisis in the country. Delia has struggled to win the hearts of his own voters, leaving him in a vulnerable state in 2020 as he deals with a new Labour leader and a new challenge from Repubblika. the Republic... the Republic... i K o n r a d M iz z i O f s h or t a x avoida n ce 17 Black Y o r g e n F ene c h Secrecy Carmel Cacopardo