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1. Definitions and concepts

2. Institutions of representative democracy

Definitions and concepts

One of the eight principles that underlie the National Youth Policy Towards 2020 is participation. The document states that: young people should be consulted and be involved in all planning and decision-making as active participants in their own development and in that of wider society.  

Institutions of representative democracy

Malta is a constitutional republic and parliamentary democracy. The Constitution of Malta states that the President is the Head of State and is appointed by the unicameral parliament, the House of Representatives. The President appoints a Prime Minister the leader of the party winning a majority of seats in parliamentary elections.

At a national level, Malta’s main representative institution is the Parliament of Malta. This consists of the President and a House of Representatives.

With the introduction of the Local Councils Act, Malta is divided into five regions. Each of these regions is made up from a number of localities. Each locality elects its own Local Council consisting of a Mayor, a vice Mayor and Councillors.

Voting in Malta is cast by ballot and it is not compulsory.