Malta’s Political Gender Gap Narrows as Party Tally Shifts

As the sun set over the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta, the political scene of Malta was undergoing a significant shift. The results of the latest party registrations painted a clear picture: the number of women candidates was on the rise, while the Nationalist Party’s (PN) tally was falling, and the Labour Party’s (PL) was almost doubling.

Women Candidates: A Growing Force

The 2023 electoral roll is set to be a turning point in Malta’s political history, with women candidates making significant inroads. As of the latest registrations, women make up 37% of all candidates, a stark contrast to the 2019 elections where they constituted only 28%. This surge in female participation is a testament to the growing influence and empowerment of women in Maltese politics.

Take, for instance, the Labour Party’s performance. PL has almost doubled its female candidate tally, with 52 women now representing the party, up from 27 in 2019. This is a significant stride towards gender balance, especially considering that PL is currently the ruling party.

PN’s Numbers Fall, PL’s Rise

While the number of women candidates is rising, the party tally is shifting. The PN, Malta’s main opposition party, has seen a decline in its candidate numbers. As of the latest registrations, PN has 48 candidates, down from 57 in 2019. This decrease is a reflection of the party’s ongoing internal struggles and the subsequent loss of support.

On the other hand, the Labour Party has seen a significant increase in its candidate tally. With 72 candidates registered, PL has almost doubled its 2019 figure of 38. This increase is a clear indication of the party’s growing confidence and support, especially in the wake of its successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What Lies Ahead?

The upcoming elections, scheduled for March 2023, will be a critical test for both parties. The PN will need to rebuild its support and address the concerns of its electorate, while the PL will have to maintain its momentum and deliver on its promises. The rise in women candidates also presents an opportunity for a more diverse and inclusive political discourse.

As Malta’s political scene continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the 2023 elections will be a pivotal moment in the country’s history. The shift in party tally and the rise of women candidates are signs of a changing political scene, one that promises to be more dynamic and representative than ever before.

In the words of Dr. Miriam Dalli, Labour MP and former Minister for European Affairs and Equality, “This increase in women candidates is a step in the right direction. We need more women in politics to ensure that our policies reflect the diversity of our society.”