Abela’s Last-Minute Push: ‘Collect Your Vote, Keep Convincing’

As the sun set over the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta, Prime Minister Robert Abela was still on the campaign trail, his voice hoarse from hours of rallying. It was the eve of the 2022 local council elections, and Abela was leaving no stone unturned in his quest to secure victory for his Labour Party.

Door-to-Door in Birkirkara

Earlier that day, Abela had been pounding the pavement in Birkirkara, Malta’s most populous locality. He’d started at the bustling Republic Street, weaving through the crowd of shoppers and diners, before making his way to the quieter residential areas. His message was clear: “Collect your vote, keep convincing people until the last second.”

Abela’s strategy was simple yet effective. He wasn’t just asking for votes; he was reminding people to cast their ballots. In a country where voting is mandatory, this might seem unnecessary. But with apathy and disillusionment on the rise, no vote is a given.

From Social Media to Street Corners

Abela’s campaign has been a blend of old-school canvassing and modern digital outreach. His social media presence is strong, with regular posts on Facebook and Twitter. But he’s also been visible on the streets, in markets, and at community events. “People want to see you, to talk to you,” he told Hot Malta. “Social media is important, but it’s no substitute for face-to-face contact.”

His message has been consistent: Labour’s record in government, from infrastructure projects to social welfare initiatives, speaks for itself. But he’s also been quick to address critics, particularly on issues like corruption and the environment. “We’re not perfect,” he admitted, “but we’re listening, and we’re learning.”

Eyes on the Prize

For Abela, the local council elections are more than just a stepping stone to the next general election. They’re a chance to gauge the pulse of the nation, to understand what’s working and what’s not. “We need to hear from people,” he said, “not just at election time, but all the time.”

As the polls opened the next morning, Abela was already at it again, visiting polling stations, chatting with voters, and urging everyone to make their voices heard. His final words to Hot Malta were a rallying cry: “Let’s make every vote count. Let’s make Malta stronger, together.”