60,000 people chose not to vote or spoil the vote

Mar 29 2022

Almost the double the number from five years ago, around 60,000 people in Saturday’s election either abstained or spoiled their vote. By the time voting booths closed at 10pm, 51,500 people chose not to vote, which lead to a historically low turnout of 85.5%.

This also included anyone who did not bother to pick up their vote document. An additional 8,227 went to the polling station to spoil their ballot, with the future also being twice as much as five years ago.

Political strategists will be attempting to understand who these people are and why they chose to protest in such a way. The abstention was accompanied by a reduction in votes for both major parties and an increase of more than 5,000 votes for third parties.

The PL had an impressive 39,000 vote lead over the PN, being the hardest hit by the abstention rate. Among the spoilt votes were a well drawn face with its tongue sticking out and a slightly haunting message wherein one voter said that when his mother needed help, she did not find it.

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More voting privacy for disabled persons says Bjorn Formosa

Mar 29 2022

Leading ALS activist Bjorn Formosa called for more privacy when it comes to casting votes for disabled persons. He did so after revealing that he essentially broke the law during the general election after his wife had to secretly write down his preference on the ballot.

This is because, as it currently stands, people who cannot use their hands aren’t allowed to bring someone they trust with them into the voting booth to write down the vote on heir behalf. They must instead vocalise their voting preference to PL and PN agents.

@bjornformosa

We’ve made something illegal! #election #votingrights #disability

♬ original sound – Bjorn Formosa

Formosa posted to TikTok saying that he felt very uncomfortable with that arrangement as he wanted to enjoy the same right to privacy as ever Maltese citizen.

‘Maria managed to write down my vote for me but we had to do it quickly so we don’t get caught. So she wrote my 1 under my favourite candidate as fast as possible. No person with a disability should feel they have to break the law when voting.’

Bjorn had discussed the issue with PL candidate and former MP Oliver Scicluna last November. Both had agreed that the law should change as soon as possible and that it is time for ‘politicians to show compassion with people in need.’

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Is the Voice coming to Malta?

Mar 29 2022

Is renowned singing competition the Voice coming to Malta?

More information is set to be coming out soon, but if it is the case, it will essentially be giving potential singing stars the chance to showcase their talents to a panel of renowned judges.

The Voice’s status as one of the biggest competitions is well known, with editions of it happening in various countries all around the world.

The potential news was revealed after the Chamber of Commerce released its annual magazine, which featured greatt™. The leading Malta based company is the brains behind Shark Tank Malta, XFactor Malta and Malta’s Got Talent and aims to deliver quality entertainment.

Now, local singers who are just cultivating their career might taking to the stage to see if they have what it takes.

The news comes just after a The Voice Kids contestant in Belgium covered local artist Michela Pace’s song Chameleon. The competition will continue to build up Malta’s music and talent repertoire through high quality competitions for the world to see.

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Puttinu Cares accommodates cancer patients beyond our shores

Mar 29 2022

In 2022, NGO Puttinu Cares kicked off works to help people, especially children, sick with cancer to find accommodation when going abroad for therapy.

Puttinu welcomed the challenge and bought 20 apartments in Sutton near the Royal Mardsen Hospital. With the youngest cancer patient travelling to stay there being 3 days old, Puttinu continued to extend services to adults and youth.

As of right now, around 60 to 90 patients travel to England for specialised cure every month. The majority of the patients go to the London centre and thus the need was felt to buy a building to introduce 20 new apartments as was done in Sutton.

This will give free accommodation to patients travelling to London. Properties cost around €3 million in Sutton and €30 million in London. After intensive research throughout these last 6 years, a property 10 minutes away by walk from Russel Square and hospitals was found.

The goal of these apartments is to help patients and their families focus on the treatment as Puttinu takes on part of the burden and offer peace of mind through free accommodation.

On Good Friday, a fundraising marathon will be held between 10am to 3pm and from 9pm to 12am on all TV stations to help Puttinu with their goals of providing more help to patients.

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