Why the Election Feels Like a Scene from ‘The Truman Show’

As I walked down Republic Street yesterday, the heart of Valletta, I couldn’t shake off the surreal feeling. The usual bustle was replaced by an eerie calm, broken only by the occasional campaign poster fluttering in the breeze. It felt like I was an extra in a political drama, waiting for the director to yell ‘Action!’ But this isn’t a movie set; it’s Malta, on the eve of a general election. So, why does it feel so… unreal?

Campaigning in a Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned our world upside down, and Malta’s election is no exception. Traditional campaigning – the rallies, the door-to-door canvassing, the packed political events – has been replaced by virtual town halls and socially distanced press conferences. It’s a far cry from the lively debates we’ve seen in previous elections. The lack of that usual political energy has left a void, making the election feel more like a formality than a passionate contest of ideas.

Take, for instance, the empty square outside the Labour Party’s headquarters in Floriana. Once a sea of red, it’s now a ghost town, save for the occasional party official hurriedly entering or exiting the building. It’s a stark reminder of how the pandemic has changed not just the way we campaign, but also the way we engage with politics.

Politics in the Age of Social Media

In the absence of traditional campaigning, political parties have turned to social media to reach voters. But with everyone vying for attention on the same platforms, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The constant stream of memes, videos, and posts can make the election feel more like a never-ending social media challenge than a serious political contest. It’s hard to have a meaningful conversation about policy when you’re constantly scrolling through cat videos and political gaffes.

the echo chambers of social media mean that we’re often preaching to the converted. It’s easy to forget that there are real people, with real concerns, behind the screens. The election feels less like a conversation and more like a shouting match, with each side convinced they’re right, and no one really listening.

Voting in Uncertain Times

The pandemic has also cast a long shadow over the election. Uncertainty looms large, from the economy to public health. With so much at stake, it’s hard to make a decision, let alone feel confident about it. The election feels less like a choice and more like a leap into the unknown. It’s no wonder that many voters are feeling anxious, or even apathetic.

But apathy is a luxury we can’t afford. This election will shape Malta’s future, from our response to the pandemic to our economic recovery. We owe it to ourselves, and to future generations, to engage with the political process, to ask tough questions, and to demand better.

So, as you cast your vote, remember that this isn’t a movie set, or a social media challenge. This is real life, with real consequences. Let’s make our voices heard, and let’s make this election feel real again.

As Malta’s former President, Eddie Fenech Adami, once said, “Democracy is not a spectator sport. If we want democracy to work, we must all take part.” So, let’s take part. Let’s make this election count.