Brussels, 15/04/2004 (Agence Europe) - In Malta where preferential voting is important, sixteen candidates are competing for five seats at the pa at the European elections in June.
Partit Nazzjonalista (pro-European party and part of the EPP-ED): - director of information centre on the EU in Malta, Simon Busuttil; - David Casa, known for his yes campaign in the accession referendum; - Joanna Drake, president of the committee for the yes vote during the referendum; - Michael Falzon, president of the water distribution company; - Joe Friggieri, lecturer in philosophy at the University of Malta; - the lawyer Ian Spiteri Bailey; - former diplomat Joe Tabone; - Roberta Tedesco Triccas (25), legal expert who was a member of the youth Convention.
Partit Laburista (ferociously opposed to European integration; part of the PES): the former minister and current national MP John Attard Montalto (51); - journalist Glenn Beddingfield; - former Director of Air Malta Louis Grech; and - Joseph Muscat, editor of an on-line information site.
Alternattiva Demokratika (Greens): - University Professor Arnold Cassola who is also General Secretary of the European Greens Party.
The independent candidates include: - journalist John Zammit; - Legal Advisor Emmy Bezzina, who works for family associations and campaigns for the right to divorce; - and Norman Lovell, who defends openly racist views.