The Board tal-Inġiniera Elections 2024 were held on 2^nd September 2024. A total of 293 Inġiniera turned up to vote for these elections, which constitutes less than 20% of the total eligible Inġiniera voters (listed on the List of Warrant Holders). The highest turn out for these was 344 votes, recorded in the 2020 election, which was still a very modest number relative to the eligible Inġiniera voting population. The turnout has improved marginally in the 2024 election, with 293 votes recorded. However, this number still falls significantly short of what would be representative of our profession.

The Executive Council of the Chamber of Engineers has analysed the results of these past elections and has received feedback from various members of the profession. The Chamber has identified several key needs: a more convenient voting method, a more practical election organisation, broader education on the role and responsibilities of the Board and more effective communication from both the Board and the Commission. By addressing such needs, the Board and the Ministry are anticipated to boost the relevance and engagement of these biennial elections.

In light of the above, the Chamber of Engineers makes a public and formal request, to the Board tal-Inġiniera and Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, to commission a validated electronic voting system for these Board Elections for the 2026 election. The system needs to safeguard democratic principles and ensure transparency while honouring Article 6(c) of Inġiniera Act Cap. 321 on the composition of the Board which specifies that “three members who shall be elected by secret ballot by warrant holders from among themselves”. The Chamber is highly confident that electronic voting will be well-received by warrant holders and is highly likely to attract a significantly higher % turnout. Physical voting as implemented currently requires eligible members to drive to the polling station during hours which overlap with typical working hours. Eligible members who are abroad or sick, are not able to vote with the current system, effectively curtailing their right to make their voice heard in these elections. A new electronic voting system is the next step in sustaining the future of these elections and the profession. It would assist voters in voting strictly according to election regulations and render negligible the occurence of invalid voting. The Chamber observes that the 2024 election saw an unusually high number of invalid votes (with 22 out  of 293 votes cast being considered invalid), ultimately resulting in wasted votes. The new system is required to maximise voter contributions and needs to reduce the risk of invalid votes as far as possible.

The next Board elections are expected to take place in Q3 2026. Therefore, the next 2 years present many opportunities for the Board and the Ministry to commission a tried and tested electronic voting system which meets the needs of Inġiniera. Once the new Board tal-Inġiniera is fully composed and mandated through the Minister’s appointment letter, the Chamber will send a letter to the Board with these requests. The Chamber will then be anticipating the Board and the Ministry to resume their efforts on developing the electronic voting system, a project that had previously been initiated by the Board and its Members.

There is sufficient time until the next election to carry out the necessary preparation, consultation and verification of this new system while ensuring a measured implementation. As such, it will be reasonable to request that the electronic voting system is ready to be deployed by the end of 2025, to avoid any risks and further delays.

The engineering profession recognises the urgent need to increase engagement in the Board tal-Inġiniera elections. The status quo is not serving the profession and is not reflecting the voice of the majority of Inġiniera who are eligible to vote. The engineering profession deserves a modernised and sustainable voting system which serves Inġiniera.

The Chamber of Engineers believes that such a forward-looking initiative will generate an increased engagement from Inġiniera with a larger voter turnout, generating a greater interest in these important elections for the profession. The Chamber will be ready to assist in the implementation of an electronic voting system and will be requesting periodic updates on the progress made.