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

Standing at the bustling Republic Street in Valletta, I couldn’t help but feel like I was in a movie set. The usually vibrant street, lined with historic buildings and quaint cafes, was eerily quiet. The only sounds were the distant murmurs of political party activists, their voices echoing through the empty streets like ghostly whispers. Welcome to Malta’s 2022 general election, where reality seems to have taken a backseat.

An Election in Name Only

Malta’s electoral system is no stranger to peculiarities. But this year’s election feels different, almost surreal. With no physical campaigning allowed due to COVID-19 restrictions, political parties have taken to social media, turning our screens into a constant stream of political propaganda. The usual election buzz – the rallies, the door-to-door canvassing, the lively debates – has been replaced by a digital void, leaving many feeling disconnected from the process.

Take a walk down the usually bustling Strait Street in Birgu, now a shadow of its former self. The street, once a hub of political activity during elections, is now eerily quiet. The only signs of election fever are the occasional party banners fluttering in the wind, a stark reminder of the election happening in name only.

Voting in a Pandemic: The New Normal

Adding to the surreal atmosphere is the voting process itself. With strict health protocols in place, voting stations are a far cry from the usual chaotic scenes. Masks, hand sanitizers, and social distancing have become the new normal at polling stations. The usually lively chatter among voters has been replaced by a somber silence, broken only by the occasional cough or sneeze.

At the St. George’s Basilica polling station in Rabat, voters queue up patiently, maintaining a safe distance from each other. The usually lively square is now a hushed space, the only noise coming from the occasional car driving by. It’s a stark reminder that this election is happening against the backdrop of a global pandemic, one that has upended our lives in ways we could never have imagined.

: A New Normal?

As we look ahead to the results, one thing is clear: this election will go down in history as one of the most unusual we’ve ever had. But it also raises important questions about the future of our democracy. Can we still have meaningful political discourse in a world dominated by social media? How can we ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in the democratic process, especially in a pandemic? These are questions that we will need to grapple with .

As I walked back home from Valletta, I couldn’t help but think about the future. Will this election mark a turning point, a shift towards a new normal? . But one thing is certain: this election, for all its strangeness, has given us a lot to think about.