It’s that time of year again, when the usually bustling streets of Valletta seem to hum with an extra buzz. No, it’s not the usual tourist chatter, but the quiet murmur of political chatter echoing through the historic streets. Election season is upon us, and Malta is gearing up for another democratic spectacle.

Gone are the days when political campaigns were confined to street corners and public squares. Today, the election battlefield has extended to the digital realm. From Facebook posts to Instagram stories, political parties are vying for the Maltese public’s attention. A quick scroll through your newsfeed might reveal a barrage of party manifestos, candidate profiles, and even the odd meme or two.

But how effective is this digital outreach? According to a recent survey by the Malta Today, 67% of respondents said they get their news from social media. This suggests that political parties are indeed reaching a significant portion of the electorate through these platforms. However, it also raises concerns about the spread of misinformation and the echo chamber effect, where people mainly engage with content that aligns with their existing beliefs.

This election, like any other, is a chance for the Maltese people to voice their concerns and aspirations. Issues such as the economy, immigration, and the environment are expected to take center stage. The recent budget proposals have sparked debate about the government’s economic policies, while the ongoing refugee crisis has brought the issue of immigration to the fore. Meanwhile, environmental activists are pushing for more ambitious climate action.

But what do the people of Malta really want? To find out, we hit the streets of Msida, a bustling town known for its vibrant market and historic church. We asked passersby about their top concerns ahead of the election. “I want to see more affordable housing,” said Maria, a 35-year-old nurse. “Rents are skyrocketing, and it’s becoming impossible for young people to get on the property ladder,” she added. Meanwhile, John, a 60-year-old retired teacher, expressed his concern about pensions. “I want to see a pension system that’s fair and sustainable,” he said.

Elections are often a litmus test of a democracy’s health. One indicator of this is youth participation. In Malta, where the voting age is 18, there’s a growing concern about youth apathy. According to data from the 2019 European Parliament elections, only 54.5% of Maltese youth turned out to vote, compared to the national average of 71.8%.

But is this apathy or a sign of a deeper disengagement? We spoke to Dr. Joseph Muscat, a political scientist at the University of Malta, who believes it’s a combination of both. “Many young people feel disillusioned with politics. They see it as a system that’s rigged against them,” he said. However, he also noted that there are signs of a ‘youthquake’ in Maltese politics, with more young people getting involved in political activism and advocacy.

As the election campaign heats up, one thing is clear: the Maltese people have a lot at stake. From housing to pensions, from immigration to the environment, the issues are complex and far-reaching. But so too is the potential for change. This election is a chance for the people of Malta to shape their future. So, let’s make our voices heard. Let’s engage in meaningful debate. Let’s vote.

As Dr. Muscat put it, “Democracy is not a spectator sport. It’s up to each and every one of us to participate, to engage, and to make our voices heard.”