Election 2022: The 16 MPs Who Won’t Be on Your Ballot

As Malta gears up for the general election on 26 March, some familiar faces will be noticeably absent from the ballot papers. A total of 16 MPs have decided not to run for re-election, marking the end of an era for some and opening up new opportunities for others. Let’s take a look at who’s out and why.

Retirements and Resignations

At the top of the list is former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, who announced his retirement from politics in December 2020 amidst the Caruana Galizia murder case. Muscat’s departure left a significant void in the Labour Party, with Robert Abela eventually taking over as leader and Prime Minister.

Other high-profile retirements include former Finance Minister Edward Scicluna and former Education Minister Owen Bonnici. Both have served in various ministerial roles over the years and have decided to call it a day. Meanwhile, Nationalist Party MP and former Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil has also announced his retirement from politics.

New Opportunities and Fresh Faces

With several experienced MPs stepping down, the stage is set for new candidates to step up. The Labour Party has seen a influx of new candidates, including several young professionals and social activists. The Nationalist Party, on the other hand, has focused on retaining its experienced MPs while also bringing in fresh faces.

One notable new candidate is former Miss World and TV presenter, Maltese-Greek beauty, Michelle Muscat, who will be running on the Labour ticket in the 12th District. Meanwhile, the Nationalist Party has fielded former journalist and political commentator, Jason Azzopardi, in the 13th District.

Byelections and the Road Ahead

With 16 MPs not running for re-election, byelections will be held in their respective districts. These byelections will provide an early indication of how the parties are faring ahead of the general election. They will also give voters in those districts a chance to have their say and potentially influence the outcome of the election.

As the election campaign heats up, expect to see more candidates making their presence known on the streets and online. From door-to-door canvassing to social media campaigns, the battle for votes is well and truly underway.

So, who will fill the void left by the outgoing MPs? . But one thing’s for sure, the 2022 general election is shaping up to be an exciting and unpredictable race.