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

As the sun set over the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta last week, the political scene of Malta was undergoing a significant transformation. The preliminary results of the Nationalist Party’s (PN) leadership election painted a clear picture: the number of women candidates had surged, while the PN’s tally had fallen, and the Labour Party (PL) had almost doubled its female candidate count.

PN’s Leadership Race: A New Wave of Women

The PN’s leadership race, sparked by the resignation of former leader Adrian Delia, has seen a notable increase in the number of women putting their hats in the ring. From the initial six candidates, the final three – Dr. Roberta Metsola, Dr. Alex Perici Calascione, and Dr. David Agius – all boasted strong female support. This shift is a stark contrast to the 2017 leadership election, where only one woman, Dr. Helen Dalli, ran against three male candidates.

Dr. Metsola, a former MEP and current PN deputy leader, has been particularly vocal about her commitment to increasing women’s participation in politics. Her campaign slogan, “Together for a Stronger Malta,” resonated with many, promising a fresh perspective and a renewed focus on gender equality.

PL’s Growing Tally: A Sign of Things to Come?

Meanwhile, the Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Robert Abela, has seen its female candidate count almost double. From 17 in the 2017 election, the PL now boasts 32 women candidates, a significant increase that reflects the party’s efforts to promote gender balance. This trend is evident not just in the number of candidates, but also in their visibility and influence within the party.

One notable example is Dr. Justyne Caruana, the former Minister for Gozo, who has been a strong advocate for women’s rights and has played a significant role in the PL’s campaign. Her appointment as Minister for Gozo in 2019 was a testament to the PL’s commitment to promoting women in politics.

What Does This Mean for Malta’s Political Future?

The surge in women candidates is a positive sign for Malta’s political future. It signals a shift towards greater gender equality and a more diverse political scene. However, it’s important to note that while the number of women candidates has increased, the number of women elected to Parliament remains disproportionately low.

According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, women make up only 15% of Malta’s Parliament, compared to the global average of 25%. This disparity highlights the need for continued efforts to promote women’s participation in politics and ensure that their voices are heard in decision-making processes.

As Malta looks ahead to the next general election, scheduled for 2023, the question remains: will the surge in women candidates translate into increased representation in Parliament? , but one thing is certain – the political scene of Malta is changing, and women are at the forefront of this transformation.

Dr. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, Malta’s former President and the first woman to hold the position, sums it up perfectly: “We need more women in politics because they bring a different perspective, a different voice to the table. They challenge the status quo and drive change.”

So, as the political parties continue to campaign and the leadership race heats up, let’s hope that this surge in women candidates is not just a momentary trend, but a lasting shift towards a more equal and inclusive political scene.