Malta’s Political scene: A Shifting Tide of Women Candidates

Imagine the bustling streets of Valletta on a crisp morning. The sun casts a golden glow over the Grandmaster’s Palace, and the usual hum of activity is punctuated by something different – a sea of purple and green campaign posters, a stark change from the familiar red and blue. This isn’t just an ordinary election season in Malta; it’s a turning point, marked by a significant rise in women candidates.

PN Numbers Fall, PL Almost Doubles Its Tally

The 2022 local council elections saw a notable shift in Malta’s political scene. The Nationalist Party (PN) witnessed a decline in its candidate numbers, while the Labour Party (PL) almost doubled its tally. But it’s not just the party numbers that are changing; it’s the faces behind them.

According to data from the Electoral Commission, the PL fielded 167 candidates, a significant increase from the 87 in the previous election. The PN, on the other hand, fielded 142 candidates, down from 167 in 2019. This shift is not just about numbers; it’s about the gender balance, with women candidates rising overall.

Rise of Women Candidates: A New Wave of Leadership

Malta has seen a steady increase in women’s participation in politics. In 2019, women made up 34% of candidates. In 2022, that number rose to 41%. This increase is not evenly distributed across parties, however. The PL saw a significant jump, with women making up 46% of their candidates, compared to the PN’s 35%.

This trend is evident on the streets of Malta. Walk down Republic Street in Valletta, and you’ll see more women’s faces on campaign posters than ever before. Among them is PL’s Claudette Buttigieg, running for council in Birkirkara. “I’ve seen a real change in the last few years,” she says, “More women are stepping up, feeling empowered to make a difference.”

Challenges and Opportunities: The Road Ahead

While the rise in women candidates is encouraging, challenges remain. Women still face barriers to entry, including the ‘motherhood penalty’ – the idea that women with children are less committed to their careers. women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and women with disabilities remain underrepresented.

But there’s also cause for optimism. Initiatives like ‘Women for Women’, a non-partisan group promoting women in politics, are gaining traction. “We’re seeing more women supporting each other,” says co-founder Maria Attard. “We’re not just breaking glass ceilings; we’re building a new floor.”

As Malta looks ahead to the next general election, the question on everyone’s mind is: Will this trend continue? Will we see more women not just as candidates, but as elected officials, shaping the future of our country?

. But one thing is certain: The political scene of Malta is changing, and women are at the forefront of that change.