Election Desk: The cast is complete – Who’s in, who’s out, and what’s next?

As the sun set over the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta, the political scene of Malta shifted once again. The cast for the upcoming election is now complete, with party leaders having submitted their final lists. But who made the cut, and who was left standing? Let’s look the nitty-gritty of the electoral race.

Who’s in the running?

The stage is set with five main parties vying for your vote. Robert Abela leads the Labour Party, while Bernard Grech is at the helm of the Nationalist Party. The other contenders include Adrian Delia (PD), Marlene Farrugia (ADPD), and Arnold Cassola (Alternattiva Demokratika).

Each party has presented a list of 70 candidates, with a few familiar faces and some fresh ones. Labour and the Nationalists have retained their heavy hitters, while the smaller parties have put forward a mix of experienced politicians and newcomers eager to make their mark.

Notable inclusions and exclusions

Some names have caused a stir. Labour’s list includes former PN MP and TV personality Jason Azzopardi, who will be contesting in the 12th district. The Nationalists, meanwhile, have given a ticket to former Labour MP and businessman Glenn Bedingfield, who will be running in the 13th district.

There are also a few notable exclusions. Labour’s former deputy leader, Chris Fearne, has been left off the list, as has PN’s former leader, Simon Busuttil. Both have been vocal critics of their respective parties’ leadership, and their absence could signal a shift in the parties’ dynamics.

What’s next?

With the lists submitted, the focus now turns to the campaign trail. Expect to see plenty of action in the coming weeks, with party leaders and candidates crisscrossing the country, from the Three Cities to the rural villages of Gozo. They’ll be knocking on doors, attending events, and doing their best to win over voters.

And what of the issues? Expect to hear plenty about the economy, COVID-19 recovery, and social justice. Each party has its own vision for Malta, and they’ll be eager to share it with you. So, get ready to make your voice heard – after all, it’s your vote that will decide who takes up residence in Castille Square come June.

As Malta’s political drama unfolds, Hot Malta will be there every step of the way, bringing you the latest news, views, and analysis. Stay tuned, and remember – your vote matters.