Labour leader contender Evarist Bartolo suggested drafting a new Maltese Constitution to recognise NGOs, whilst addressing a public meeting for civil society in Sliema on Monday.
“With a new Constitution we must clearly recognize the contribution of non-governmental organisations and civil society. We have to strengthen existing structures and create new ones so that civil society… an participate more directly in issues that are of direct concern to them,” he said. Bartolo stressed that Malta should be moving towards an age when NGOs and individuals are not controlled by political parties, Government or the private sector, and can sound their voice and be active on ongoing issues regarding the environment, Maltese heritage, rights for people with diverse needs, rights for gay people, animal welfare and so forth.
He added that citizens who are effectively active in such issues, increase pressure on the authorities, thereby helping to forge a more democratic society.
Bartolo also suggested that public boards should include representatives from civil society.
The “new Constitution” would be drawn up by a purposely-formed “constituent assembly”, and written after consultation with the general public, private entities, and social and cultural entities. These entities are to give their ideas to improve the suggested reform.
When addressing the crowd, Bartolo said that NGOs would be given more voice if the present structures were strengthened, and this would help overcome the many hurdles and problems currently faced by civil society.

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