First five out of 91 would-be voters in PN case against Electoral Commission do not turn up in court

The first five of 91 foreigners whose voting rights are being challened in court by the Nationalist Party failed to turn up in court this morning.

Prof Ian Refalo, who was representing the Electoral Commission, suggested that the commission would simply delete the potential voters off the register as it was agreed by both parties that it was a "mistake".

The PN lawyers took immediate exception to this idea with Dr Paul Borg Olivier speaking of the "dangerous precedent" which such a decision would lead to. Dr Borg Olivier also insisted that only a court has the power to delete, change or add anyone to the electoral register.

Two weeks ago, on 18 May, the PN filed 91 court cases claiming that 91 individuals were given the right to vote in breach of the constitution because they did not satisfy the requirements. PN Deputy Leader, Beppe Fenech Adami had said that this resort needed to be taken in order to ensure that only people eligible to vote will be on the electoral register.

The case was presided by Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit. The PN also had Dr Jason Azzopardi and Dr Karol Aquilina as representation. 

 

from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/1XkkGCG
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