Malta’s Political Landscape Shifts as Women Candidates Surge
Malta’s Political scene Shifts as Women Candidates Surge
As the sun set over the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta last week, the political scene of Malta was cast in a new light. The numbers were in, and they told a story of change. The Nationalist Party (PN) had seen a decline in its candidate numbers, while the Labour Party (PL) had almost doubled its tally. But the most striking figure? The rise of women candidates across the board.
PN’s Numbers Dip, PL’s Rise
The PN, led by Bernard Grech, saw a decrease in its candidate numbers, with 51 candidates contesting this year’s election, down from 67 in 2017. Meanwhile, the PL, under Prime Minister Robert Abela, has almost doubled its tally, with 98 candidates this year compared to 54 in the previous election. This significant shift in numbers reflects the parties’ strategies and the electorate’s demands.
For the PN, the decrease in candidates could be seen as a strategic move to focus on key constituencies and strong candidates. Grech has been vocal about his party’s commitment to quality over quantity. “We’re not in the business of fielding candidates just to make up numbers,” he said in a recent interview.
On the other hand, the PL’s increased candidate numbers reflect their aim to maintain a strong presence across all 13 districts. “We want to ensure that every Maltese and Gozitan voter has a Labour candidate to choose from,” said PL candidate and Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri.
Women Candidates: The Rising Tide
But perhaps the most notable trend in this election is the rise of women candidates. Across both parties, the number of women contesting the election has increased significantly. The PN has fielded 22 women candidates, up from 14 in 2017, while the PL has 37, up from 19 in the previous election.
This surge in women candidates is a welcome shift in Maltese politics. It’s a sign that parties are finally heeding the call for greater gender balance in politics. “It’s not just about numbers, it’s about representation,” said former MP and women’s rights activist Marlene Farrugia. “We need more women in politics to ensure that our voices and our concerns are heard.”
One such voice is that of PL candidate and lawyer Justyne Caruana, who is contesting the election in the 12th District. “I want to bring my experience as a lawyer and a mother to Parliament,” she said. “I want to ensure that our laws reflect the needs and concerns of all Maltese families.”
Meanwhile, PN candidate and businesswoman Rosianne Cutajar is contesting the election in the 13th District. “I want to use my business experience to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in my constituency,” she said.
: The Road to June 6
As the election campaign heats up, with just over a month to go until polling day on June 6, the focus will be on how these trends play out in the constituencies. Will the PN’s strategy of focusing on key candidates pay off? Can the PL maintain its strong showing across all districts? And perhaps most importantly, will the rise in women candidates translate into a more gender-balanced Parliament?
. But one thing is certain: this election is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Maltese politics, with the potential to reshape the political scene and bring new voices to the fore.
As PN candidate and former MP Simon Busuttil put it, “This election is about more than just numbers. It’s about the kind of Malta we want to build for the future. A Malta that is inclusive, that represents all of us, and that looks to the future with confidence and optimism.”
