Over the past weeks, the Maltese have been awaiting an election date to become official. The confirmation of an election which is set to take place on the 26th of March, puts an end to several rumours surrounding the timeframe. At some points, it was strongly believed that an election will take place in November. When that rumour was discarded, an election date was being anticipated for either the first quarter of the year or during summer.
The Prime Minister requested the President to dissolve parliament. The date is set for around ten weeks prior to the lapse of the five-year legislature.
At a political party activity which took place in Floriana, the Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour party issued a rallying cry. He emphasised that a bright future awaits Malta, highlighting that the Government is strong. He also stated that governance and democracy were strengthened, with systems in place that will benefit the coming generations.
The Prime Minister also referred to the COVID-19 pandemic which has characterised the past two years. He made reference to the fact that during this turbulent period, lives and jobs were saved. Following this speech, billboards of the two main political parties were being set up across the country. The slogans that we will be hearing a lot of throughout the election campaigns are “Malta Flimkien” for the Labour party and “Miegħek għal Malta” for the Nationalists.
The latest election polls indicate that the Labour party should win this upcoming election comfortably, since it still holds a strong lead. Although the lead is solid, the Labour party has had to face a number of inner demons and Robert Abela has encountered significant difficulties related to controversies and the reputation of his predecessor.
This current legislature which is set to pass will be remembered for a number of reasons. An example being the brutal assassination of the journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia and the rapid downfall of Joseph Muscat, who had prior to this tragedy enjoyed the status as one of Malta’s most popular Prime Ministers. This legislature will be remembered for the unrest and instability within the Nationalist party, after seeing three leaders in just five years. It is also the legislature which saw the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has brought several hardships globally and naturally locally. Following these past difficult years, many would be looking forward to turning a new page.
What do you think we should expect in the upcoming election? What are your predictions? Let us know your views in the comments section below.
