Election Desk: The cast is complete – Malta’s political scene takes shape

As the sun set over the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta, the political parties of Malta put the final touches on their electoral machinery. The cast for the upcoming general election is complete, and the island braces itself for a campaign that will shape its future for the next five years.

Meet the contenders

The Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Robert Abela, is seeking a third consecutive term in office. Their campaign, centered around the party’s economic record and social policies, is already in full swing. The Partit Nazzjonalista, under the leadership of Bernard Grech, is promising a fresh start and a break from the past. The Alternattiva Demokratika, led by Arnold Cassola, is once again pushing for a green, progressive Malta. The Adrian Delia-led Partit Nazzjonalista, now rebranded as Imperium Europa, is positioning itself as a eurosceptic, anti-establishment force.

Issues taking center stage

The election is shaping up to be a battle over Malta’s economic model, with the Labour Party pointing to the country’s pre-pandemic growth and job creation, and the Partit Nazzjonalista promising a more balanced approach to development. The environment is also expected to be a major issue, with the Alternattiva Demokratika pushing for a greener Malta and the Partit Nazzjonalista promising stricter environmental regulations. The rule of law, following a series of high-profile cases, is also set to be a key topic of debate.

Campaigning in a pandemic

Campaigning in a pandemic presents unique challenges for all parties. Traditional rallies and door-to-door canvassing have been replaced by virtual events and social media campaigns. The Labour Party has been particularly adept at using digital platforms to reach voters, while the Partit Nazzjonalista has been focusing on targeted, small-scale events. The Alternattiva Demokratika, with its younger base, is us social media to reach out to voters.

The election is scheduled for March 26, and the campaign is expected to heat up in the coming weeks. With the political scene as diverse as ever, one thing is certain: the next few weeks will be crucial in shaping Malta’s future.

“This election is about more than just politics,” says political analyst Joseph Cuschieri. “It’s about the kind of Malta we want to live in, the kind of society we want to build. It’s about our values, our priorities, our future.”