Why This Election Feels Like A Scene From ‘The Truman Show’

As I walked down Republic Street yesterday, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that I was an extra in a movie. The usual bustle of Malta’s capital was replaced by an eerie calm, broken only by the occasional honk of a car adorned with political posters. The election fever that usually grips the island this time of year seemed to have taken a backseat, replaced by an unsettling quiet. It felt… unreal.

An Election Like No Other

Malta’s political scene is no stranger to drama. Yet, this election feels different. The pandemic has cast a long shadow, making this campaign unlike any other. With public gatherings limited and door-to-door campaigning discouraged, the usual hustle and bustle of election season is missing. The vibrant political posters that usually line our streets seem to be outshone by the stark reminders of the pandemic – the hand sanitizers, the face masks, the social distancing signs.

Instead of the usual rallies and marches, we’ve seen a surge in digital campaigning. Social media platforms are flooded with political ads, and Zoom meetings have replaced the traditional kitchen-table conversations. While this has made the election more accessible to some, it’s also left many feeling disconnected from the process.

Politics In The Time Of COVID

The pandemic has also changed the way we talk about politics. The economy, healthcare, and education – traditionally hot topics in any election – have taken on a new urgency. The Opposition Leader’s promise to build a new hospital, for instance, resonates differently this time around. The ruling party’s handling of the pandemic is under scrutiny, with questions about the procurement of PPE and the management of quarantine facilities dominating the headlines.

Yet, there’s also a sense of fatigue. The constant stream of news, the relentless debate, the never-ending cycle of lockdowns and restrictions – it’s all taking a toll. Many are left wondering, “Is this really what democracy looks like in 2021?”

: A New Normal?

As we approach election day, it’s clear that this campaign has been a learning experience. The pandemic has forced us to rethink how we engage with politics, how we campaign, and how we vote. It’s also highlighted the importance of clear, concise communication, especially in times of crisis.

But as we look ahead, there’s a sense of hope. Despite the challenges, this election has shown that democracy can adapt, that it can evolve. It’s a reminder that even in the most trying of times, our voices can still be heard, our votes can still be cast, and our future can still be shaped.

So, as you head to the polls on Saturday, remember that this election, despite its strangeness, is very real. Your vote matters. Your voice counts. And together, we can shape a future that’s not just about surviving a pandemic, but about thriving in its aftermath.

As the late, great Maltese politician Eddie Fenech Adami once said, “Democracy is not a spectator sport.” So, let’s get out there and participate. Let’s make our voices heard. Let’s make this election, for all its strangeness, truly real.