Malta’s Political scene: A Shifting Tide of Female 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 were in, and with them, a stark shift in the number of women candidates across the political spectrum.

PN’s Numbers Fall, PL’s Rise: A Tale of Two Parties

The PN’s leadership election saw a decrease in the number of women candidates, with only four women contesting the top post, down from seven in the previous election. This trend was reflected in the party’s parliamentary group, where the number of women MPs has also decreased. Meanwhile, the Labour Party (PL) almost doubled its tally of women candidates, with 14 women contesting the leadership, up from eight in 2017.

This shift is not lost on Malta’s political observers. Dr. Maria Attard, a political scientist at the University of Malta, notes, “The decrease in women candidates within the PN is concerning. It’s a step backwards in terms of gender equality in politics. On the other hand, the PL’s increase is a positive development, but we must remember that numbers alone do not guarantee representation or influence.”

Local Context: A Street-Level Perspective

Walk down Republic Street in Valletta, and you’ll see posters of women candidates adorning the walls, a stark contrast to the previous election. This visual shift is a testament to the changing face of Maltese politics. In the Three Cities, where the PN has traditionally held strong, women candidates are making their voices heard, challenging the status quo.

Meet Dr. Justyne Caruana, a PN candidate from Birkirkara. She says, “We’re seeing a generational shift. Younger women are stepping up, driven by a desire for change and a commitment to community. We’re not just here to make up numbers; we’re here to make a difference.”

: Quotas and Representation

Malta’s political parties are now grappling with the question of quotas. The PL has implemented an internal quota system, ensuring that at least 30% of its candidates are women. The PN, however, has not adopted a similar system, despite calls from within the party to do so.

Dr. Attard argues, “Quotas are a necessary step in achieving gender balance in politics. But they’re not enough. We need to address the cultural and structural barriers that prevent women from entering politics. We need mentorship programs, we need flexible working arrangements, and we need to challenge the stereotypes that hold women back.”

As Malta looks ahead to the next general election, the question remains: Will the rise in women candidates translate into a more balanced, representative parliament? . But one thing is clear – the political tide is shifting, and Malta’s women are at the helm.