Imagine, if you will, the bustling streets of Republic Street in Valletta. It’s election season, and the air is thick with campaign posters and the hum of political chatter. As a journalist, I’m not just covering the news; I’m meeting the news. And boy, is it a marathon, not a sprint.

Malta’s electoral roll is a beast of its own, with over 350,000 registered voters. That’s a lot of doorsteps to knock on, a lot of hands to shake. I’ve found myself in the narrow streets of Sliema, where high-rise apartments mean buzzing intercoms instead of traditional doorsteps. I’ve ventured to the rural heart of Żurrieq, where farmhouses and traditional Maltese balconies offer a stark contrast to the urban north.

Each encounter is a microcosm of Malta’s political scene. There’s the seasoned voter who’s seen it all, the first-timer eager to make their mark, the undecided who just want to hear what each party has to say. And then there’s the cat that always seems to find its way into the conversation, or the neighbour who pops in to share their two cents.

Coffee shops have become my second office. I’ve met candidates from all parties, each with their own blend of passion, policy, and caffeine. There’s the seasoned politician who’s seen more elections than I’ve had hot meals, and the political neophyte who’s still finding their footing. I’ve heard promises big and small, from national healthcare reform to fixing that pothole on your street.

But it’s not all serious talk. There’s laughter too, often at the absurdity of it all. The candidate who forgot their speech and improvised a limerick. The voter who confessed they’d rather be at the beach. The cat that decided to join the meeting, because why not?

Malta’s election isn’t just on the streets and in the coffee shops. It’s online too, in the endless scroll of social media feeds. I’ve seen candidates go viral with their campaign videos, and I’ve seen debates rage on in the comments section. I’ve even seen a candidate’s cat become an internet sensation.

But it’s not all likes and shares. There’s a dark side too, with misinformation and online harassment rearing their ugly heads. It’s a reminder that while social media can amplify voices, it can also drown them out.

As I sit here, my notepad filled with scribbles and my phone buzzing with notifications, I’m reminded that this election isn’t just about the candidates. It’s about the people they hope to serve. It’s about you, reading this, and your voice in the ballot box. So, who are you meeting on this political marathon? And what are they saying?