Ray Abela’s Political Odyssey: From Casualty to Parliament Twice

In a twist of fate, Ray Abela found himself not once, but twice, in the heart of Malta’s political drama. The 37-year-old lawyer and political hopeful, who had been patiently waiting in the wings, suddenly found himself centre stage in the country’s parliament. This is not a story of overnight success, but one of perseverance and a bit of political serendipity.

From Legal Eagle to Political Lion

Ray Abela, a native of Birkirkara, has been a familiar face in Malta’s legal circles. His sharp mind and persuasive tongue have earned him a reputation as a formidable advocate. But politics, it seems, was always his first love. He cut his teeth in student politics, honing his oratory skills and political acumen. His journey to parliament, however, was far from straightforward.

First Casualty, Then Victory

Abela’s political career began with a casualty. In the 2017 general election, he was the first casualty on the Nationalist Party’s list in the 13th District. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but Abela was not one to dwell on defeat. He rolled up his sleeves and got back to work, biding his time and waiting for the next opportunity.

Opportunity knocked in the form of a by-election in the 12th District following the resignation of a Nationalist MP. Abela threw his hat into the ring, campaigning tirelessly across the district. On 25 October, he emerged victorious, securing a seat in parliament. But his political odyssey was far from over.

Second Time Lucky

Just months after his by-election victory, Abela found himself back in the electoral fray. A snap general election was called for March 2019. This time, Abela was not taking any chances. He campaigned relentlessly, his message resonating with voters. On 10 March, the results were in. Abela had not only retained his seat but had also improved his vote count.

Ray Abela’s journey to parliament is a testament to his resilience and determination. It’s a story of a man who, despite setbacks, remained steadfast in his pursuit of political office. It’s a story that echoes the spirit of Malta’s political scene, where fortunes can change in the blink of an eye.