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Malta Malta

Disclaimer: This section of Comparative Data is not being updated. Users should be aware that data may be inaccurate. If you find inaccuracies please contact the ACE facilitators.

Boundary Delimitation

BD001

Delimitation of constituencies


Question:Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source: General Elections Act, Art. 17 (1): http://www.parlament.mt/general_election_act?l=1 (2012); Constitution, Art. 56 (1), 61: http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
BD002


Question:The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s): c. The Electoral Management Body
Comments: The Electoral Commission
Source: Constitution, Art. 61: http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
BD003

Criteria for drawing boundaries


Question:On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s): a. "Equality" of population
g. Other
Comments: An alteration of the boundaries of any electoral division under this article shall be made in such manner as secures that, at the time when the Commission carries out its review, the number obtained by dividing the total electorate in the division (as ascertained by reference to the electoral register in force at that time) by the number of members to be returned to the House of Representatives from that division is as nearly equal to the electoral quota as is reasonably practicable: Provided that any such alteration may be made in such manner that the number of voters in that division is, at the time when the Commission carries out its review, greater or less than the electoral quota multiplied by the number of members to be so returned, but in no case by more than five per centum, in order to take account of geographical vicinity, differences in density of population and other relevant factors."
Source: Constitution, Art. 61 (4): http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
BD004


Question:If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer: c. Number of registered voters
Comments: According to the electoral register in force at the time when the Commission carries out that review.
Source: Constitution, Art. 61 (5): http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
BD005

Body responsible for drawing boundaries


Question:The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s): e. Electoral Management Body (EMB)
Comments: e) The Electoral Commission
Source: Constitution, Art. 61 (1): http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
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Electoral Systems

ES001

Head of State


Question:How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s): d. Indirectly elected by legislature
Comments: There shall be a President of Malta who shall be appointed by Resolution of the House of Representatives.
Source: Constitution, Art. 48: http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ES002

Head of Government


Question:How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer: e. Appointed
Comments: The President shall appoint as Prime Minister the member of the House of Representatives who, in his judgment, is best able to command the support of a majority of the members of that House and shall, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister, appoint the other Ministers from among the members of the House of Representatives.
Source: Constitution, Art. 80: http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ES003

President


Question:Does the country have a president?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 48, 49, 50: http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ES004

Number of Chambers


Question:The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer: a. One chamber
Comments: The Parliament of Malta consists of the President and the House of Representatives.
Source: Constitution, Art. 51: http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ES005

Electoral System (Chamber 1)


Question:What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s): i. Single Transferable Vote
Comments: The members of the House of Representatives shall be elected upon the principle of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote from such number of electoral divisions, being an odd number and not less than nine and not more than fifteen, as Parliament shall from time to time determine.
Source: Constitution, Art. 52, 56: http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
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ES006


Question:What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
Answer(s): k. The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/22
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ES007


Question:If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
Answer: h. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/22
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ES009


Question:What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
Answer(s): d. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/22
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ES020


Question:Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer: a. Voting takes place on one day
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/11/28
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)

Legislative Framework

LF001

Status of Electoral Law


Question:What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s): a. Part of Constitution
b. Separate legislation
e. Other
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 52 - 63: http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012); General Elections Act: http://www.parlament.mt/general_election_act?l=1 (2012); Electoral Ordinance: http://www.parlament.mt/electoral-ordinance?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
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LF003

Electoral Law covers


Question:The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s): a. National elections
c. Local elections
d. Referendums
e. Other
Comments: e) Elections to the European Parliament
Source: Constitution, Art. 52 - 63: http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012); General Elections Act: http://www.parlament.mt/general_election_act?l=1 (2012); Electoral Ordinance: http://www.parlament.mt/electoral-ordinance?l=1 (2012); The Local Councils Act; The Referenda Act (Cap.237); Act XVI of 2003
Verified: 2012/05/22
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LF004

Compulsory/voluntary voting


Question:Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s): a. Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source: General Elections Act, Art. 15, 16: http://www.parlament.mt/general_election_act?l=1 (2012); Constitution, Art. 57: http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
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LF007

Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)


Question:What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s): a. Judiciary
Comments: The Constitutional Court
Source: Constitution, Art. 63: http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012); General Elections Act, Art. 115: http://www.parlament.mt/general_election_act?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
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Electoral Management

EM001
Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
Name of Institution: Electoral Commission 

Website Address: http://www.electoral.gov.mt/ (2012)

Source
No Source
Verified
2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
EM002

Responsibility of national EMB


Question:Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s): a. National level
c. Local level
d. Other kinds of elections (church, union, etc.) Please specify.
Comments: d) Elections to the European Parliament and referenda
Source: General Elections Act, Art. 7 (1): http://www.parlament.mt/general_election_act?l=1 (2012); Official Website of the Electoral Commission: http://www.electoral.gov.mt/pageview.aspx?x=%2bhwnTRj%2bVUAqSCVavPKf9skCXKP2VqTwCE8snUlNxClh8gIJtDobZ4J3AhRUbyQCiGOE0hafPyoaGsNoCnUo%2fz5pJ2YkuPfOIlhg%2fwIaht0%2bA%2f0lnwRcdw%3d%3d (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
EM004

EMB budget determined by


Question:The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s): g. Other
Comments: g) According to the Constitution, in the exercise of its functions the Electoral Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority.
Source: Constitution, Art. 60 (9): http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
EM005

EMB expenditures controlled by


Question:The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s): g. Other
Comments: g) According to the Constitution, in the exercise of its functions the Electoral Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority.
Source: Constitution, Art. 60 (9): http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
EM006

Term of EMB members


Question:The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer: b. For a specified number of years
Comments: 3 years
Source: Constitution, Art. 60 (5): http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
EM011
What are the approximate proportions (%) of total election expenditure for the last national elections devoted to the following?
Voter registration and preparation of voter lists 	
Election Management Body administration 	
Staff/Equipment/Supplies 	
Security 	
Official funding of parties and candidates 	
Voter education 	
Materials/systems for and operation of voting stations and ballot counts 	
Challenges, dispute resolution and legal costs 	
Polling operations 	
Vote tabulation 	
Other 	
Source
No Source
Verified
2009/11/05
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
EM012

Electoral Management model


Question:What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer: b. Independent
Comments: b) According to the Constitution, in the exercise of its functions the Electoral Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority.
Source: Constitution, Art. 60 (9): http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
EM013

Number of EMB members


Question:The EMB is composed of:
Answer: a. 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: At least 5 members: The Electoral Commission shall consist of a Chairman, who shall be appointed to that office from the public service, and such number of members not being less than four. There are currently 9 members at the Electoral Commission.
Source: Constitution, Art. 60 (2): http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012); Official Website of the Electoral Commission: http://www.electoral.gov.mt/pageview.aspx?x=%2bhwnTRj%2bVUAqSCVavPKf9skCXKP2VqTwCE8snUlNxClh8gIJtDobZ4J3AhRUbyQCiGOE0hafPyoaGsNoCnUo%2fz5pJ2YkuPfOIlhg%2fwIaht0%2bA%2f0lnwRcdw%3d%3d (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
EM014

Membership based on


Question:The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer: e. No Information Available
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 60 (2): http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
EM015


Question:The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s): a. Head of State
b. Head of Government
g. Political parties
Comments: The members of the Electoral Commission shall be appointed by the President, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister, given after he has consulted the Leader of the Opposition.
Source: Constitution, Art. 60 (3): http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
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Voter Education

VE001

Information campaigns performed by


Question:Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s): l. No voter education and information campaigns conducted
Comments: No voter education and information campaigns are conducted, but the public can obtain the relevant information on the official website of the Electoral Commission.
Source: Official Website of the Electoral Commission: http://www.electoral.gov.mt/news.aspx?x=%2bhwnTRj%2bVUAqSCVavPKf9g8W%2fQLsSnyWLPjRRvQCiY7g%2bjeKzozZ6tvgv77msGav6dip2%2fR4lJjbC%2bQCry7jo%2fqM2dmm2P6qUCBCvQHFVavLxULHN7KbpA%3d%3d (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VE002

Frequency of voter education programs


Question:At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer: e. Not applicable
Comments: No voter education programs are conducted, but the public can obtain the relevant information on the official website of the Electoral Commission.
Source: Official Website of the Electoral Commission: http://www.electoral.gov.mt/news.aspx?x=%2bhwnTRj%2bVUAqSCVavPKf9g8W%2fQLsSnyWLPjRRvQCiY7g%2bjeKzozZ6tvgv77msGav6dip2%2fR4lJjbC%2bQCry7jo%2fqM2dmm2P6qUCBCvQHFVavLxULHN7KbpA%3d%3d (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VE003

National civic education


Question:Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s): a. No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/22
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Voter Registration

VR001

Voting age


Question:What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer: c. 18
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 57: http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012); General Elections Act, Art. 15: http://www.parlament.mt/general_election_act?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VR002

Other voting requirements


Question:Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s): a. Citizenship
b. Period of Residence
Comments: b) Residence in the country (for a continuous period of six months, or for periods amounting in the aggregate to six months, during the 18 months immediately preceding registration as elector)
Source: Constitution, Art. 57: http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012); General Elections Act, Art. 15: http://www.parlament.mt/general_election_act?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VR003


Question:What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
Answer(s): a. Criminal Incarceration
b. Previous Conviction
d. Mental disability
Comments: a, b) Imprisonment exceeding 12 months, conviction for elections-connected offence
Source: Constitution, Art. 58: http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012); General Elections Act, Art. 15: http://www.parlament.mt/general_election_act?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VR004

Authority responsible for voter registration


Question:Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer: d. Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: d) The Electoral Commission
Source: General Elections Act, Art. 7 (1): http://www.parlament.mt/general_election_act?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VR008

Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?


Question:Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer: b. No
Comments:
Source: General Elections Act, Art. 21: http://www.parlament.mt/general_election_act?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)

Parties and Candidates

PC001

Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)


Question:What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s): g. No information available
Comments:
Source: General Elections Act, Art. 51, 52: http://www.parlament.mt/general_election_act?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
PC002

Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)


Question:What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s): h. Not applicable
Comments: Unicameral parliamentary system
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
PC003

Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)


Question:What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s): a. Age
b. Citizenship
f. Registration
j. Other
Comments: a) 18 years old; f) Nomination by four voters registered in the same electoral division; Deposit equivalent to approximately US$ 100, which is reimbursed if the number of votes obtained exceeds 1/10 of the applicable electoral quotient for the division.
Source: General Elections Act, Art. 51, 52: http://www.parlament.mt/general_election_act?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
PC004

Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 2)


Question:What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s): l. Not applicable
Comments: Unicameral parliamentary system
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
PC008

Independent candidates


Question:Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s): c. In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Comments:
Source: General Elections Act, Art. 51, 52: http://www.parlament.mt/general_election_act?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
PC009


Question:If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s): a. Signature requirement (specify)
b. Deposit requirement (specify)
Comments: a) Nomination by four voters registered in the same electoral division; b) Deposit equivalent to approximately US$ 100, which is reimbursed if the number of votes obtained exceeds 1/10 of the applicable electoral quotient for the division.
Source: General Elections Act, Art. 51, 52: http://www.parlament.mt/general_election_act?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
PC010


Question:If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s): e. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
PC011


Question:If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s): e. Not Applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
PC012

Public funding of parties


Question:Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s): c. Indirect
Comments: c) Political parties are exempt from taxation
Source: GRECO Compliance Report on "Transparency of Party Funding in Malta": http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/monitoring/greco/evaluations/round3/GrecoRC3%282011%2911_Malta_EN.pdf (2012); IDEA Handbook on Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns, 2004; Matrix on Political Finance Laws and Regulations
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
PC015


Question:What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s): f. No information available
Comments:
Source: GRECO Compliance Report on "Transparency of Party Funding in Malta": http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/monitoring/greco/evaluations/round3/GrecoRC3%282011%2911_Malta_EN.pdf (2012); IDEA Handbook on Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns, 2004; Matrix on Political Finance Laws and Regulations
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
PC017


Question:Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source: GRECO Compliance Report on "Transparency of Party Funding in Malta": http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/monitoring/greco/evaluations/round3/GrecoRC3%282011%2911_Malta_EN.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
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Vote Counting

Media and Elections

ME001
Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Name and Title: 	
Job Title: 	
Organisation: 	
Contact Address: 	
Telephone:  	
Facsimile: 	
Email: 	
Source
No Source
Verified
2012/05/22
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ME037

Criteria for allocating free broadcast time


Question:What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s): c. Based on result of previous election
g. Other (specify)
Comments: c, d) Applies to free broadcast time on state television and radio. g) New political parties are given free broadcast time on an ad hoc basis.
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ME038
What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Amount (Euros) 	
The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising 	
Source
No Source
Verified
2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ME056
What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
....... 	
There are no laws in this regard 	
Source
No Source
Verified
2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ME057
What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
......... 	
The law does not specify any limits 	
Source
No Source
Verified
2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ME059

Television debates


Question:Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s): d. No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ME062

Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.


Question:What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer: a. 1 day
Comments:
Source: General Elections Act, Art. 114 (1): http://www.parlament.mt/general_election_act?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
ME080


Question:Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer: b. No
Comments:
Source: GRECO Compliance Report on "Transparency of Party Funding in Malta": http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/monitoring/greco/evaluations/round3/GrecoRC3%282011%2911_Malta_EN.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)

Direct Democracy

DD002

Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)


Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 66 (3): http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012); The Referenda Act (Cap.237): http://www.maltadata.com/ref-act.htm (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD003

Mandatory referendums (national level)


Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 66 (3): http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD004

Optional referendums (national level)


Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source: The Referenda Act (Cap.237), Art. 3 (1): http://www.maltadata.com/ref-act.htm (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD005

Citizens' Initiatives (national level)


Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source: The Referenda Act (Cap.237), Art. 14: http://www.maltadata.com/ref-act.htm (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD006

Agenda Initiatives (national level)


Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer: b. No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD007


Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer: b. No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD013
When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level? Date (yyyy)
Mandatory referendum 	1964
Optional referendum 	1996
Citizens' initiative 	
Agenda initiative 	
Recall 	
Not applicable 	
Source
The Constitution of Malta; the Referenda Act
Verified
2009/10/23
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD017


Question:Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer: a. Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments:
Source: Art. 6 of the Referenda Act (Cap. 237)
Verified: 2006/11/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD018


Question:Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer: a. Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments:
Source: Art. 6 of the Referenda Act (Cap. 237)
Verified: 2006/11/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD019


Question:Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer: a. Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments:
Source: Art. 6 of the Referenda Act (Cap. 237)
Verified: 2006/11/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD020


Question:Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer: c. No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/22
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DD021


Question:Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer: c. No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/22
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DD022


Question:Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer: a. Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments:
Source: Art. 6 of the Referenda Act (Cap. 237)
Verified: 2006/11/22
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DD023


Question:Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer: a. Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments:
Source: Art. 6 of the Referenda Act (Cap. 237)
Verified: 2006/11/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD024


Question:Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer: a. Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments:
Source: Art. 6 of the Referenda Act (Cap. 237)
Verified: 2006/11/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD025


Question:Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer: c. No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
DD026


Question:Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer: c. No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/22
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DD028


Question:What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
Answer(s): a. Constitutional amendments
i. Other public policy issues
Comments:
Source: The Constitution of Malta and the Referenda Act (Cap. 237)
Verified: 2006/11/22
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DD029


Question:Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
Answer(s): k. None
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/22
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DD043


Question:When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
Answer: b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
Comments: b) Only where referenda are of the abrogative type.
Source: Art. 20 of the Referenda Act (Cap. 237)
Verified: 2006/11/22
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DD044


Question:When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
Answer: b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
Comments: b) Only where referenda are of the abrogative type.
Source: Art. 20 of the Referenda Act (Cap. 237)
Verified: 2006/11/22
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DD129


Question:Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer: b. Sometimes binding
Comments: Where the majority of voters, voting in a referendum, approve the proposal regarding the provision of the enactment the repeal of which is requested, the said provision shall no longer have effect and the President of Malta shall issue a Proclamation accordingly.
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm (2012); The Referenda Act (Cap.237), Art. 20: http://www.maltadata.com/ref-act.htm (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
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DD130


Question:Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer: c. Both constitutional and other issues
Comments: On the 8th of March, 2003, the electorate was asked to decide by means of a referendum on the proposal that Malta becomes a member of the EU on its enlargement due on 1st May, 2004. The outcome was that Malta should become an EU member state. Prior to this, the last-held national referendum had taken place 39 years before. This concerned the confirmation of the Independence Constitution. Another national referendum was held on Saturday 28th May, 2011. The question was to establish whether the electorate agreed on the introduction of divorce. The outcome was 53.2% YES and 46.8% NO.
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm (2012); The Referenda Act (Cap.237), Art. 3: http://www.maltadata.com/ref-act.htm (2012); Constitution, Art. 66 (3): http://www.parlament.mt/constituion-of-malta?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
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DD131


Question:Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer: a. Yes
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)

Voting Operations

VO003

Electors vote at


Question:Where can electors vote?
Answer(s): a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments:
Source: General Elections Act, Art. 64: http://www.parlament.mt/general_election_act?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VO004

Voting outside the country is permitted for


Question:Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s): a. Outside the country voting is not permitted
Comments:
Source: General Elections Act, Art. 64: http://www.parlament.mt/general_election_act?l=1 (2012); Official Website of the Election Commission: http://www.electoral.gov.mt/news.aspx?x=%2bhwnTRj%2bVUDs1xscjoUF65FS%2bjFGLPzPyCF2q%2fl2MYjvfC0sBnSHGQ%2bFSQM6vw0WZLib0jtkNylTIpL4RIBsIIHGlyPNrA4RcYk54dcBqR6RqojTApwuxQ%3d%3d (2013)
Verified: 2013/01/18
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VO005

Locations for voting outside of the country


Question:If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s): h. Not applicable
Comments:
Source: General Elections Act, Art. 64: http://www.parlament.mt/general_election_act?l=1 (2012); Official Website of the Election Commission: http://www.electoral.gov.mt/news.aspx?x=%2bhwnTRj%2bVUDs1xscjoUF65FS%2bjFGLPzPyCF2q%2fl2MYjvfC0sBnSHGQ%2bFSQM6vw0WZLib0jtkNylTIpL4RIBsIIHGlyPNrA4RcYk54dcBqR6RqojTApwuxQ%3d%3d (2013)
Verified: 2013/01/18
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VO010
Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Yes, the maximum capacity is: 	
No 	
Source
No Source
Verified
2009/07/05
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VO011

Voting method


Question:How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s): a. Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: General Elections Act, Art. 71: http://www.parlament.mt/general_election_act?l=1 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)
VO012
How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
The smallest polling station: 	
The largest polling station: 	
Average per polling station: 	
Source
No Source
Verified
2009/07/05
(Found a mistake? Please let us know.)