As I walk down Republic Street, Malta’s bustling heart, I’m struck by the sea of red, green, and blue posters plastered on walls and billboards. Election fever has gripped the island, and it’s not just the vibrant colours that catch my eye, but the familiar faces and promises that have become a staple of our political tapestry.

The Familiar Faces

Malta’s political scene is a tight-knit affair, with the Labour Party and the Nationalist Party dominating the scene for decades. This election, like the ones before it, sees familiar faces leading the charge. Robert Abela, Labour’s incumbent Prime Minister, is seeking a full term, while Bernard Grech, the Opposition Leader, is hoping to unseat him. Their faces, along with those of their party candidates, are plastered across Malta, from the historic streets of Valletta to the coastal towns of the north.

But it’s not just the bigwigs vying for our votes. Walking down Strait Street, I pass a candidate’s office, where a young volunteer is busy stuffing envelopes with party literature. She tells me she’s excited about the opportunity to make a difference, a sentiment echoed by many first-time candidates across the political spectrum.

The Issues at Play

This election, like any other, is a chance for Malta to chart its course for the next five years. The issues at play are as diverse as the island itself. From housing and the economy to immigration and the environment, each party has its own vision for Malta’s future.

Take housing, for instance. The soaring property prices and shortage of affordable homes have become a hot-button issue. Both Labour and the Nationalists have plans to tackle this, from Labour’s promise of more affordable housing units to the Nationalists’ proposal for a rent control system.

Then there’s the environment. With Malta facing numerous environmental challenges, from plastic pollution to climate change, both parties have pledged to prioritize green initiatives. But with limited resources and a small island to protect, the road to sustainability is a complex one.

The Election Process

Malta’s election process is a well-oiled machine, with voting set to take place on March 26. Polling stations will be open from 7 am to 10 pm, giving voters plenty of time to cast their ballots. But with the pandemic still a concern, health measures will be in place, including social distancing and mandatory mask-wearing.

For those voting for the first time, the process is simple. Just present your ID card at your designated polling station, receive your ballot paper, and mark your X next to your chosen candidate. It’s a powerful moment, exercising your democratic right in a country where voting is compulsory.

But what about those who can’t make it to the polls? Thanks to Malta’s postal voting system, you can still have your say. Just make sure to request your postal vote before March 18 and return it in time for election day.

As I finish my stroll, the sun begins to set over the Grandmaster’s Palace, casting a warm glow over the political scene unfolding below. It’s a reminder that, despite the challenges and complexities, democracy is alive and well in Malta. And on March 26, it’s up to each and every one of us to shape the island’s future.

“Every vote counts,” a Labour supporter tells me as she hands out party literature. “It’s our chance to make a difference.”