Malta – a democratic state, evolved as an independent nation in 1964 and later in 1974, became a constitutional republic. The Head of State (President) is the authority to appoint the Head of Government (Prime Minister) as the leader of the party that gains a plurality of seats in the elections. The President is appointed by the Prime Minister in consultation with the cabinet members. The police are headed by a civilian commissioner under the effectual supervision of the Government. An independent judiciary sustains the Constitution’s protections for individual rights and freedoms. Cultural and religious patterns strengthen the consistency of the Maltese society.
The Political infrastructure in Malta comprises of a parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the Prime Minister of Malta is the head of government, and of a combined system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament. Since Independence, the party system has been dominated by the Christian Democratic Nationalist Party (Partit Nazzjonalista) and the Social Democratic Malta Labour Party (Partit Laburista).
Political developments since independence Two parties dominate Malta’s polarized and evenly divided politics: the Nationalist Party – Partit Nazzjonalista – led by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, and the Malta Labour Party – Partit Laburista – led by Alfred Sant. Elections invariably generate a widespread voter turnout exceeding 96%. Prior to the May 1987 election, the Maltese constitution was amended to ensure that the party that obtained more than 50% of the popular vote would have a majority of seats in parliament and would thereby form the government. The then Labour Party government proposed this constitutional amendment in exchange for Nationalist Party (in opposition at the time) agreeing to entrenching neutrality and non-alignment in the Constitution
Elections in Malta are based on the single transferable vote system, which is a variant of the proportional representation electoral system.
The 1996 elections resulted in the election of the Labour Party by 8,000 votes to replace the Nationalists who had won in 1987 and 1992. Voter turnout was characteristically high at 96% with the Labour Party receiving 50.72%, the Nationalist Party 47.8%, the Democratic Alternative 1.46%, and independent candidates 0.02%. In 1998 the Labour Party lost a parliamentary vote, leading the Prime Minister to call an early election. The Nationalist Party was returned to office in September 1998 by a majority of 13,000 votes, holding a five-seat majority in Parliament. Voter turnout was 95%, with the Nationalist Party receiving 51.81%, the Labour Party 46.97%, the Democratic Alternative 1.21%, and independent candidates 0.01%.
The Nationalist government completed discussions for European Union membership by the end of 2002. A referendum on the issue was called in March 2003 for which the Nationalists and the Democratic Alternative asked for a “yes” vote while Labour asked its supporters to vote “no”, invalidate their vote or abstain. Turnout was 91% with more than 53% voting “yes”.
The Labour Party argued that the “yes” votes amounted to less than 50% of the overall votes, hence, and referring to the Integration referendum as an example, they claimed that the “yes” hadn’t in fact won the referendum. Parliament was ultimately dissolved and fresh elections were called as a final word on the matter. The Nationalists were returned to office with 51.79% of the vote to Labour’s 47.51%. The Democratic Alternative managed 0.68%. The Nationalists were thus able to form a government and sign and ratify the EU Accession Treaty.
The House of Representatives has 65 members, elected for a five year term in 13 multi-seat constituencies with a chance of rewarding bonus members for the popular largest party which doesn’t succeed in getting absolute majority in parliament.
Courthouse, VallettaMalta’s judiciary is sovereign. The President, on the advice of the Prime Minister, appoints the chief justice and 16 judges, who retire at the age of 65. There is a civil court, a commercial court, and a criminal court. In the latter, the presiding judge sits with a jury of nine. The civil court hears appeals from decisions of the civil court and of the commercial court. The criminal court hears appeals from judgments of conviction by the criminal court. The highest court, the Constitutional Court, hears appeals in cases involving violations of human rights, interpretation of the constitution, and invalidity of laws. It also has jurisdiction in cases regarding disputed parliamentary elections and electoral corrupt practices. There also are inferior courts presided over by a magistrate.
Malta is distributed into 68 elected local councils, with each council responsible for the administration of cities or regions of varying sizes. Administrative responsibility is distributed between the local councils and the central government in Valletta. The Local Councils Act, 1993 (Act XV of 1993) was published on June 30, 1993, subdividing Malta into 54 local councils in Malta and 14 in Gozo. The registered residents elect the Council for a period of 3 years. The mayor is the head of the Local Council and the representative of the Council for all effects under the Act. The Executive Secretary, who is appointed by the Council, is the executive, administrative, and financial head of the Council. All decisions are taken collectively with the other members of the Council. Local councils are responsible for the general upkeep and embellishment of the locality, local wardens, and refuse collection, and carry out general administrative duties for the central government such as collection of government rents and funds, and answering government-related public inquiries.
As a vital division of the e-Government programme, the Ministry for Information Technology and Investment offers the e-Government services using multiple service delivery channels, apart from the World Wide Web. Mobile telephony service is more relevant due to the fact that 64%1 of the Maltese population own a mobile phone. The m-Government project brings together both mobile telecoms providers in Malta, the telecoms regulator and Government’s IT agencies. One important factor that influences in the embracing of mobile telephony as a channel for e-Government is its popularity in Malta.
When it comes to live entertainment, San Francisco holds great honor of being home to some legendary venues and performance houses. Orpheum Theatre, a San Francisco Historical Landmark, is one of them. Hailed as one of the top-rated theater venues in USA, the Orpheum embodies a long history of excellence in performing arts. It has hosted many blockbuster musicals such as The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Rent and many others. Nowadays, Broadway history maker “Wicked” is running to packed houses while West Side Story will soon grace the stage of this magnificent theatre. Book your Orpheum Theater San Francisco Tickets and enjoy the best of theater at this world-class theater!
NHL lovers in the Hockeytown are proud to have the most popular hockey franchises in North America, Detroit Red Wings. The eleven time Stanley Cup champion, Red Wings is one of the Original Six teams of the NHL that currently stands third in the overall NHL championships, behind the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs. Detroit Red Wings represent the Central Division of the Western Conference of NHL and play in the 20,066 capacitated Joe Louis Arena. This season, they are all set to get back to the Stanley Cup and it seems they will be providing some very exciting ice hockey experience to their fans. Cheap Red Wing Tickets are available now for grabs, so don’t miss your chance of catching on Live Detroit Red Wings games!
When normal genres of music sometimes fail to create a desired impact, American jam bands fill the vacuum with their special flair. Founded in Charlottesville, Virginia in 1991, Dave Matthews Band is an American jam band supported by musicians like Dave Matthews (singer-songwriter and guitarist), Boyd Tinsley (violinist), LeRoi Moore (saxophonist), Carter Beauford (drummer) and Stefan Lessard (bassist). The band has formed an eclectic gathering over the years with musicians who have roots in a variety of genres, including soul, bluegrass, jazz, rock and hip-hop. The group is the winner of a Grammy Award while also being awarded NAACP Chairman’s Award. Do not delay in getting Dave Matthews Band Tickets Darien Lake Tickets!
Great artists always leave their legacy behind. Their work is celebrated and shared around the world. Pink Floyd is remembered as one such classic rock band of the 1970s. Recapturing their eclectic aura is the Australian Pink Floyd Show, a band formed in 1988 to pay tribute to the original band. The live shows of this group focus on recreating the feel, look and sound of Pink Floyd’s world tours. The Australian Pink Floyd Show performs at international venues globally which sets them apart from other tribute bands. Four constant musicians have stayed with the group although the line-up has been altering over the years. Be sure to gather Australian Pink Floyd Show London Tickets!
A young female music artist who is not just a pro in her field but commands extraordinary fame is Lady Gaga. She made her debut by releasing her first studio album “The Fame” in August 2008. It was New York City’s Lower East Side where she began performing in the rock music scene. She entered a contract with Streamline Records when it was established in 2007. Initially she worked as a songwriter at the recording company servicing music stars and finally Akon recognized her vocal abilities and booked her for his own label, Kon Live Distribution. The star is delivering spellbinding performances this year. Do not miss Lady Gaga Tickets Boston MA Tickets!
We need to perk ourselves from time to time with appropriate diversions, but sometimes we are at a loss what to do with our time. Attending a lively game of baseball is one choice that could do you wonders. Centralized in Chicago, Illinois, The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team that plays in the American League’s Central Division. The White Sox have been playing in U.S. Cellular Field since 1991 and are one of two major league clubs based in Chicago. They were the winners of the 2005 World Series where they contested the Houston Astros sweeping them in just four games. The club was initially called the Chicago White Stockings but later on changed their name. Say ‘yes’ to Chicago White Sox Tickets!
The Americans cannot live without baseball and football. They weave their dreams around these sports which have become a major source of entertainment. Member of the Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division, the Red Sox are a US baseball team whose home ground has been Fenway Park since 1912. The team has been named by the owner, Mr Taylor and the club icons have proceeded from that decision. Located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team being member of the Eastern Division of MLB’s American League. It is the bird Blue Jays which has inspired the title of the club. The nickname “the Jays” is used more often on the front of the home uniform and on the team’s logo. Get ahead with Red Sox Vs Blue Jays Fort Myers Tickets!
I have personally seen live The Radio City Christmas Spectacular events over the course of the last ten years and can certainly guarantee that the word spectacular certainly gives the event the right perspective. The event is an amalgamation of snow, music by Rockettes, brilliant fireworks and a night to remember underneath the stars. One of the famous tags associated with the event is The Radio City Christmas Spectacular Tickets that is a sensational touch to the overall ambiance and richness of the festivity. The fireworks are worth seeing specially this being the 75th anniversary of the festival.