Why the Election Feels Like a Dream: A Malta Perspective

As I walked down Republic Street yesterday, the heart of Malta’s capital, Valletta, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of surrealism. The usual bustle was there, but it was different. The election posters, usually a vibrant sea of color and promise, seemed muted, almost ghostly. It’s as if the entire island is holding its breath, waiting for something to happen, but not quite sure what.

An Election Like No Other

Malta’s election this year is unlike any other in recent memory. With the country still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, the usual electioneering has been subdued. No massive rallies, no handshakes, no kiss-of-death selfies. Instead, we’ve had a deluge of online campaigns, Zoom press conferences, and socially distanced doorstep conversations. It’s an election that’s playing out more on screens than on streets.

But that’s not the only reason why this election feels unreal. The issues at play are so vast, so complex, that they often seem to defy reality. We’re talking about a future where Malta could be a pioneer in the global blockchain industry, or a cautionary tale of environmental degradation. A future where our hospitals could be at the forefront of medical innovation, or overwhelmed by a second wave of COVID-19. It’s a future that’s both tantalizingly close and terrifyingly uncertain.

Malta’s Blockchain Dilemma

Take blockchain, for instance. Malta has been hailed as the ‘Blockchain Island’, a beacon of innovation in the Mediterranean. But as we stand on the precipice of this technological revolution, we’re also grappling with its dark side. Money laundering, cryptocurrency scams, and data privacy concerns have all raised their ugly heads. It’s a future that promises immense wealth and progress, but also carries significant risks. It’s like standing at the edge of a cliff, knowing that one wrong step could send you tumbling down.

And then there’s the environment. Malta’s natural beauty is world-renowned, but it’s also under threat. From the concrete jungle of Paceville to the plastic-choked waters of Marsaxlokk, our island is facing an environmental crisis. Yet, as we vote for our future, the environment often seems to be an afterthought. It’s like we’re choosing between different flavors of ice cream, oblivious to the melting ice cap behind us.

Navigating the Unreal

So, how do we navigate this unreal election? How do we make sense of a future that’s both tantalizing and terrifying? Perhaps the answer lies in embracing the surreal. In acknowledging that this election is unlike any other, and that the future it promises is uncertain and complex. Perhaps we need to vote not just for a party, but for a vision. A vision that’s bold enough to embrace the future, but wise enough to learn from the past.

As I walked back home, the election posters seemed to blur into a kaleidoscope of colors and promises. It was a surreal sight, but also a hopeful one. Because amidst all the uncertainty, one thing is clear: our future is in our hands. And that, in itself, is a powerful reality.

“This election is a chance for us to dream big, but also to face the reality of our challenges,” says Dr. Maria Attard, a political scientist at the University of Malta. “We need to vote for a future that’s both ambitious and responsible. A future that’s real, not just a dream.”