The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IĠM) has strongly objected to new media guidelines issued by the Nationalist Party’s Electoral Commission for its upcoming leadership election, calling on the party to immediately reverse course.

In a statement, the IĠM expressed concern over rules that it says restrict journalists’ ability to freely report on and question candidates in the race to become PN leader. While the Institute acknowledged the need for internal party elections to have clear guidelines, it condemned any measures that hinder the press or dictate the nature of questions journalists can ask.

“This is not a race that concerns only PN members,” the IĠM said. “It is of national interest, as the eventual winner will become Leader of the Opposition and potentially the next Prime Minister.”

The Institute emphasised the public’s right to understand where each candidate stands on critical issues, including their political vision, relationships with business interests, civil society, and each other. The current rules, which reportedly prohibit journalists from referring to one candidate while interviewing the other, were described as a direct attempt to obstruct fair scrutiny.