Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1500237
11 NEWS maltatoday | SUNDAY •28 MAY 2023 INVITATION TO TENDER For civil, electrical and resurfacing works for the Runway 23-05 project at Malta International Airport (MIA/10/23) Malta International Airport plc invites submissions from suitably qualified organisations for civil, electrical and resurfacing works for the Runway 23-05 project at Malta International Airport. Invitation to tender documents can be collected from the Malta International Airport plc Head Office during office hours against payment of €250. Complete submissions must be deposited within the tender box provided at the MIA Head Office, 2nd Floor, Air Terminal Building, Luqa, LQA 4000 Malta, by not later than 1100hrs of Friday, 7th July 2023. Offers received after this date will not be considered. Malta International Airport plc Head Oce Malta International Airport 2nd Floor, Luqa LQA 4000 Tel: +356 21249600 Fax: +356 21249563 Email: tender@maltairport.com eral election mechanism, which it had described as "a historic per- version". "Last year's general election has proven that the mechanism is nothing but a top-up and helped only in bloating the number of parliamentary seats," ADPD told MaltaToday. ADPD is challenging in court the gender mechanism intro- duced for the general election on the basis that it makes a distinction between female candidates on the PL and PN ballots, and those representing oth- er parties. The gener- al election m e c h a - nism kicks in only if two parties are elect- ed to par- liament and allows for an ad- ditional 12 women to be elected (six for each side) after vote counting is over. ADPD insisted that promoting the participation of women in politics is more laborious than such a mechanism, as this re- quires culture-shifting methods, such as changes in parliament hours and a childcare centre to accommodate female politicians, who traditionally take up the role of child carers. The Green Party insisted that the mechanism limits the elec- torate's voting power, as some candidates are awarded seats without reaching the necessary vote quotas. Evidence of this can be found in the 2022 general elec- tion in the case of Melissa Bagley and Sandra Gauci – both AD- PD candidates – who won more votes than women who got in by the quota mechanism, such as PL candidate Davina Sammut Hili. These concerns were also re- flected by the Kunsill Nazzjonali Taż-Żgħażagħ (KNZ). "The implementation of gender mechanism quotas could have unintended consequences for third-party candidates, and this may be exacerbated further when applied in local council elections, making it even more difficult for third-party candidates and in- dependents to get elected," the KNZ said. Regarding the efficiency of such a mechanism in promoting fe- male participation in politics, KNZ said that while quotas may increase the representation of women in the short term, they fail to address the underlying is- sues of gender inequality. "In some cases, they may even reinforce gender stereotypes," the KNZ noted. "Such prioriti- zation could create a perception that women are being given pref- erential treatment, which may undermine their credibility." But the proposal was welcomed wholeheartedly by the Malta Women's Lobby. "It will help ad- dress the persistent imbalance in the local council elections," the group said. "The mechanism could be a useful tool to ensure that women get elected at a local level where they can gain experience and vis- ibility, which act as a springboard for the national elections," the lobby group said, adding it is still too early to see the full impact of the gender mechanism on politi- cal participation. Concerns on 16-year-old mayors Another key proposal of the lo- cal government reform is to allow 16-year-olds to become mayors and deputy mayors. Again, this was included in the PL's election manifesto. Today, 16-year-olds can vote and run for elections, but the law prohibits a 16-year-old councillor from be- coming mayor. The PN, ADPD and KNZ were not against the proposal, but they believe it requires serious consid- eration given the legal changes required to empower people at such a young age to function as adults. KNZ said that while it saw no reason to oppose the idea given the candidate in question has the skills and qualities necessary for such a role, it noted that public office requires serious dedication. "Any 16-year-old candidate who is considering running for mayor must fully understand the gravity of the position and the ex- pectations that come with it," the KNZ spokesperson said. Voicing its support for more youth participation in politics, the PN favours the idea, which is included in its own local gov- ernment policy document titled Gvern Lokali ta' Vera. Carabott said: "Given the fact that a 16-year-old is legally al- lowed to contest the election, and given the people's vote and choice, that 16-year-old should be allowed to serve as mayor." But Carabott said that when it comes to public accountability, it must be ensured that no legal anomaly exists at law that might impair or hinder the operation of the local government. At law, 16-year-olds cannot sign contracts, which would be problematic for any local coun- cil. There are also limits to their criminal responsibility. This concern was highlighted by ADPD, which added that while youth participation in politics is important, "16-year-olds should focus more on getting an educa- tion, travel and get the life experi- ence needed not only to become a mayor but a good citizen." ADPD said that if such a pro- posal is implemented, young public officials should still be in a position where they are held accountable for their actions and face the music should this be- come necessary. Meanwhile, asked for its reac- tions to the two issues, the La- bour Party replied with the same statement as that received from the government. and gender quotas for local bag mixed reactions