Why the Election Feels Unreal: A Malta Perspective

As I walked down Republic Street in Valletta yesterday, the usual hum of the capital was replaced by an eerie silence, save for the occasional rustle of campaign posters in the breeze. The general election is just days away, yet the atmosphere feels… off. Unreal, even. But why?

Campaigning in a Pandemic

The obvious culprit is the pandemic. COVID-19 has turned our world upside down, and Malta is no exception. Campaign rallies, once vibrant and noisy, have been replaced by sanitized press conferences and virtual town halls. The usual door-to-door canvassing has been swapped for socially distanced conversations and WhatsApp messages. It’s a far cry from the lively political discourse we’re used to.

the pandemic has dominated the conversation. While candidates are eager to discuss their party’s manifesto, the elephant in the room – or rather, the virus under the mask – keeps stealing the spotlight. It’s hard to discuss the future when the present is so uncertain.

Politics in the Age of Misinformation

Another factor contributing to this surreal feeling is the deluge of information – or rather, misinformation – we’re all drowning in. Social media platforms are awash with fake news and doctored videos, making it hard to discern fact from fiction. It’s a challenge for voters, and it’s a challenge for the candidates too, who are forced to constantly clarify and correct false narratives.

I spoke to a political candidate who told me, “It’s like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded. You know there’s a way out, but it’s hard to find when you’re being pushed and pulled in every direction.” It’s no wonder that many voters feel overwhelmed and disillusioned.

An Election in Limbo

Finally, there’s the simple fact that we’re in limbo. We’re caught between the old normal and the new normal, between the hope of a vaccine and the reality of a second wave. We’re in a holding pattern, waiting for the results of the election to see which direction our country will take.

This limbo is reflected in the election itself. The usual pre-election buzz is missing. The streets aren’t filled with party colors, the air isn’t filled with campaign slogans. It’s as if we’re all waiting for something to happen, but we’re not quite sure what that something is.

Yet, despite all this, there’s a sense of determination. A sense that, come what may, we’ll face it together. As a local shopkeeper in Rabat told me, “It might feel unreal, but it’s happening. And we’ll make the best of it, like we always do.”

So, What Now?

As we approach election day, it’s important to remember that while the campaign might feel unreal, the election itself is very real. Your vote matters. It’s your chance to have a say in how we navigate this pandemic and beyond. So, make your voice heard. Make it count.

And as for the surreal feeling, well, that’s just a symptom of our times. We’re living through history, after all. Let’s make sure we’re part of shaping it, not just watching it unfold.