Election Desk: The cast is complete – Meet Malta’s 2022 electoral hopefuls

As the sun sets over the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta, the political scene of Malta is abuzz with activity. The electoral cast for the 2022 general election is finally complete, with party leaders submitting their final lists to the Electoral Commission. So, who are the faces vying for your vote this time around?

Labour’s incumbent heavyweights

The ruling Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Robert Abela, has retained its heavyweights for another term. Among them is Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Clyde Caruana, who will be contesting in Ħamrun. Other familiar faces include Education Minister Owen Bonnici in Ħaż-Żebbuġ, and Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo in Ħamrun.

Labour has also given opportunities to new faces, with 12 first-time candidates making the list. Among them is 24-year-old Ġianni Debono, who will be contesting in Ħamrun. “I’m excited to bring a fresh perspective to politics,” says Debono, a youth activist and environmentalist.

PN’s fresh faces and familiar names

Opposition Leader Bernard Grech has led the Nationalist Party (PN) through a period of renewal, and this is reflected in their electoral list. The PN has fielded 22 new candidates, including 10 women. Among them is 31-year-old lawyer and former Miss Malta, Danica Galea, who will be contesting in Ħamrun.

Familiar names also feature prominently in the PN’s list. Former Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil will be contesting in Ħamrun, while former Deputy Prime Minister Louis Galea will be running in Ħaż-Żebbuġ. Grech himself will be contesting in Ħamrun, where he has a strong support base.

Third parties and independents

Beyond the two main parties, several third parties and independent candidates will be vying for seats in Parliament. The Democratic Party, led by Anthony Buttigieg, has fielded candidates in several districts. The party is focusing on issues such as affordable housing and environmental protection.

Independents, too, are making their mark on the electoral scene. In Ħamrun, for instance, former Labour Party councillor and social activist, Roderick Galdes, will be contesting as an independent. “I believe in putting people before politics,” says Galdes.

As the campaign trail heats up, Malta’s voters will have a diverse range of candidates to choose from. The coming weeks will see these hopefuls crisscrossing the islands, knocking on doors, and engaging with voters in markets and piazzas. So, who will you be casting your vote for on 26 March?