Why the Election Feels Like a Phantom Vote

As I walked down Republic Street yesterday, I noticed something unusual. The usually bustling thoroughfare was eerily quiet, save for the occasional tourist snapping a selfie in front of the Grandmaster’s Palace. No campaign posters, no loudspeakers blaring political slogans, no candidates shaking hands. It was as if the general election, just days away, was happening in some parallel universe.

An Election in Stealth Mode

Malta’s political scene is typically a vibrant mix red, blue, and green, with each party’s colours splashed across billboards, banners, and even the odd building. But this time around, it’s different. This election feels like it’s happening in stealth mode. Why? Well, there are a few reasons.

Firstly, there’s the pandemic. COVID-19 has cast a long shadow over this campaign. Public gatherings are limited, and physical campaigning has been largely replaced by virtual events. While this has its merits – more people can tune in from the comfort of their homes – it lacks the energy and spectacle of a traditional campaign. It’s like watching a political play on a tiny screen, rather than being in the front row of the theatre.

Then there’s the timing. The election was called earlier than expected, catching many off guard. With the summer season in full swing, many Maltese are away on holiday, either abroad or enjoying our islands’ beaches and countryside. The usual buzz of election fever seems to have been dampened by the suncream and sea salt.

Politics in the Age of Social Media

Another factor is the shift in how political campaigns are run. Social media has become the new battleground, with parties spending more time crafting memes and videos than designing traditional posters. While this has opened up politics to a wider audience, it’s also made it feel more distant. We’re seeing more of the parties, but less of the candidates. It’s like we’re being sold a product, rather than meeting the people who want to represent us.

Take a stroll around Msida, for instance. Usually, the streets would be lined with posters of local candidates. This time, you’re more likely to spot a QR code on a lamppost, inviting you to scan and watch a video. It’s efficient, but it lacks the personal touch of a candidate shaking your hand and asking for your vote.

An Election of Uncertainty

Finally, there’s the uncertainty. This election is happening at a time of great change. Brexit, the pandemic, the economy – there are so many unknowns. It’s hard to know what to expect, or even what to hope for. This uncertainty can make it feel like we’re voting in the dark, groping for a light switch that might not be there.

I spoke to a few people on my walk. A shopkeeper in Valletta told me he wasn’t sure who to vote for this time. A young woman in Sliema said she felt like she was choosing between different shades of grey, rather than clear blue or red. It’s a common feeling, it seems. This election feels unreal because the choices feel uncertain.

So, as we head to the polls, let’s remember to look beyond the screens and the slogans. Let’s engage with the candidates, ask questions, and demand answers. Let’s make this election feel real, because our future is very much at stake.