OSCE Chair Ian Borg Welcomes Electoral Review After 2022 Cheque Criticism
Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson Ian Borg has expressed support for the organisation’s upcoming review of Malta’s European Parliament election following a 2022 report that criticised the government’s rollout of cheques.
“The Maltese Chairpersonship of the OSCE supports ODIHR [Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights], who conduct comprehensive and independent election observations in all participating States upon their invitation,” the country’s foreign minister told Lovin Malta.
“Malta has once again invited ODIHR to observe the upcoming European Parliament elections, after which ODIHR will have every opportunity to share its assessments and views.”
Borg was responding to questions sent by the newsroom, asking if he agreed with the OSCE’s 2022 assessment that pre-election government cheques do not conform to international standards. He was also asked if he believes these cheques are an abuse of power.
A spokesperson of Borg initially noted that “such matters fall under the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights’ mandate and expertise”, asking the newsroom to redirect its questions to the ODIHR.
However, upon being asked for a response specifically from the Chairperson, he showed his support for the ODIHR’s upcoming assessment.
The world’s largest regional organisation was invited to review Malta’s nearing European Parliament election, the observation will kick off later this month.
During Malta’s last general elections in 2022, the OSCE conducted a review and wrote:
“During the election campaign, the government distributed tax refund and stimulus cheques, accompanied by a personalised letter signed by the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, both of whom were contesting in the elections. Such actions could blur the line between party and state and do not conform to international standards and good practice and most ODIHR EET interlocutors questioned the unusual timing of this year’s tax refund.”
“Additionally, the regular use of their social media channels by ministers and parliamentary secretaries to publicise their personal and political profiles could be interpreted as a misuse of official resources.”
Ahead of its review, the OSCE told the Times of Malta that it will be sending analysts to look into pre-election cheques, alongside other issues.
This month, citizens are set to receive two cheques as part of the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA). The suspicious timing has raised questions about the ethical merit of this practice – especially since the island has been criticised for it before.
Prime Minister Robert Abela has brushed off concerns, maintaining that these are received annually and are unrelated to the elections. However, these cheques are not issued during the same time each year and somehow tend to coincide with the electoral seasons.
What are your thoughts on these cheques? Let us know in the comments below
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