Malta’s Political scene Shifts: Women Candidates Surge as Party Numbers Fluctuate

Standing at the bustling Republic Street in Valletta, you can’t help but notice the sea of posters adorning the historic buildings. This election season, there’s a notable difference: more women’s faces stare back at you. Malta’s political scene is shifting, and it’s not just the party colours that are changing.

PN’s Decline, PL’s Surge: A Tale of Two Parties

The Nationalist Party (PN) has seen a significant drop in the number of candidates, with only 52 candidates fielded this year, a stark contrast to the 67 in the last election. The party’s decision to field fewer candidates has raised eyebrows, with some attributing it to internal struggles and a desire to focus resources on key constituencies.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party (PL) has almost doubled its candidate tally, fielding 72 candidates this time around. This strategic move is aimed at maximizing their chances in a tight race, with the party eyeing an outright majority in the upcoming election.

Women Candidates: A Rising Force

Amidst the party fluctuations, one trend stands out: the rise of women candidates. This election sees a record number of women vying for a seat in Parliament, with 31 women candidates across parties. This is a significant increase from the 2017 election, where only 24 women contested.

This surge is not just a Malta-wide phenomenon. In the Three Cities, for instance, women candidates are making their mark. In Birkirkara, the PN has fielded two women candidates, a first for the party in this constituency. In Ħamrun, the PL has followed suit, fielding a woman candidate for the first time.

This increase is a testament to the growing recognition of women’s roles in politics. It’s a trend that’s been building momentum, with more women stepping forward to challenge the status quo and bring diverse perspectives to Parliament.

Challenges Ahead: Representation and Retention

While the increase in women candidates is heartening, challenges remain. Women still face barriers to entry and retention in politics. From the ‘glass ceiling’ to the ‘maternal wall’, women candidates often face unique challenges that their male counterparts do not.

the political climate can be tough, with women candidates often facing online harassment and misogynistic remarks. This is a reality that needs to change, with all political parties and the public at large playing a role in fostering a more inclusive and respectful political culture.

As we head into the election, let’s hope that this surge in women candidates translates into increased representation in Parliament. Let’s also hope that this is not just a one-off trend, but the start of a sustained effort to increase women’s participation in politics.

After all, as former MP and women’s rights advocate Marlene Farrugia once said, “We need more women in politics, not just to represent half of the population, but to bring different perspectives and experiences to decision-making.”

So, as you head to the polls, remember the faces on those posters. Remember the women who dared to stand, who dared to challenge, who dared to lead. And then, make your voice heard.