Picture this: it’s a sweltering summer afternoon in Birkirkara, Malta’s bustling central town. The usual hum of scooters and chatter fills the air, but today, there’s an extra buzz. Outside a small garage, a crowd gathers around a makeshift table, not for a sale, but for a political meeting. The candidate, dressed in a grease-stained overalls, wipes his hands on a cloth before shaking hands. Welcome to Malta’s ‘spare parts election’.

The Birth of a Political Phenomenon

Meet Joseph ‘Joe’ Camilleri, a 45-year-old mechanic turned politician. His political journey began when he decided to run in the 2020 local council elections, not as a seasoned politician, but as a concerned citizen tired of seeing his community neglected. His campaign slogan? ‘Fixing Malta, one gear at a time’.

Joe’s not alone. Across Malta, we’re seeing a rise in ‘spare parts candidates’ – ordinary citizens with no political background, running for office on a promise to ‘fix’ what’s broken. They’re mechanics, teachers, nurses, even bakers. They’re not promising grand policies, but practical solutions – potholes filled, streetlights fixed, community centres reopened.

The Appeal of the Spare Parts Candidate

In a country where political apathy is high, these candidates are resonating. They’re relatable, approachable, and they speak the language of everyday Malta. They’re not promising to ” of governance, but to fix the leaky tap in your kitchen.

Take Maria Azzopardi, a 32-year-old nurse running in Msida. Her campaign poster isn’t a glossy headshot, but a photo of her in scrubs, holding a stethoscope. Her promise? To improve healthcare services, starting with better equipment and staffing at the Msida Health Centre.

Can Spare Parts Win?

So, can these spare parts candidates win? The odds are against them. Malta’s political scene is dominated by two major parties, with a few smaller ones. Independent candidates often struggle to gain traction. But Joe and Maria aren’t deterred. They’re not in it for the win, they say, but to start a conversation, to show that politics isn’t just for politicians.

Joe puts it best, “I’m not here to change the world. I just want to change my street.” And that, perhaps, is the beauty of Malta’s spare parts election. It’s not about grand promises or lofty ideals. It’s about fixing the pothole on your street, getting the lights turned back on, and making Malta a little bit better, one gear at a time.