“The Local Councils Association believes that youths aren’t only the future but the present. In 2018, Malta became the second European country to allow 16-year-olds to vote in local and later national elections, and we believe that changing the law to allow 16-year-olds to become mayors was the next natural and democratic step.”

“The local council law states that the candidate who gains the most votes from the party that wins a majority in a town should be elected mayor. It is a democratic process that should be applicable to all eligible voters.”

“The Association also realises that these youths are passing through a phase where they will have to take important life decisions and it is therefore necessary that they are given all the necessary assistance, help and training to fulfil their mayorship obligations in the best way possible.”

“We will continue investing in skills and human resources as we have done over the past three years, where over 60 training courses were held. In the coming weeks, we will launch an intensive three-year training programme for local council employees, councillors and mayors.”

“The Association will offer all the necessary assistance to provide the necessary guidance to all elected members, particularly to new mayors who could be elected through this amendment.”

Do you agree with this new law?