Government & Politics
PM cancels out rumours of early general election
By MaltaMedia News
Mar 11, 2007 - 3:09:54 PM

UPDATED 18:47CET
While addressing a press conference following the party’s defeat in the Local Councils elections held on Saturday, the Prime Minister and leader of the Nationalist Party (PN) Dr Lawrence Gonzi cancelled out any rumours of a possible early general election. Dr Gonzi firmly stated that in view of the major changes and important challenges the country will be facing in the next months, the current legislature will serve its term for the next year and a half.

Dr Gonzi further added that his party will be assessing its electoral losses in the coming days to establish the reason behind the constant decrease in PN support in localities; a recurrent pattern in the past four elections.

When compared to 2004, the PN has decreased its stronghold by 2.5% while the MLP has increased its support by 3%, the Prime Minister said. Dr Gonzi agreed with what the PN general secretary Joe Saliba had said earlier namely that the PN endures loss of votes every time there is a low turnout.

Saturday's 68% turnout is 14% lower than the 82% turnout in the 2004 elections. That year, local council elections were held simultaneously with those for the selection of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). The Nationalist Party is looking ahead to work on regaining the lost votes by inspiring a clean campaign based on facts aimed for the benefit of all the sectors of society, Dr Gonzi said.

The Prime Minister added that the low turnout effected mostly the Nationalist Party while the MLP consolidated its usual votes. We still need to analyse the situation however, Prime Minister Gonzi said, adding that he cannot forget that just last week he had to take a stand and revise the dates of spring hunting which led to thousands protesting in Valletta.

When asked whether the result reflects a possible outcome of the general election Dr Gonzi said that indeed the Local Councils elections do not reflect any shift in the votes but rather each locality has to be taken into consideration individually with its own difficulties and particular issues.

Dr Gonzi also thanked all the candidates and person who helped throughout the campaign and all the persons who voted.

Earlier in a statement, the Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party (AD) Chairperson, Dr Harry Vassallo said that his party is satisfied with its performance in these elections polling almost 10% of the first count votes in Swieqi and in Attard and 3.6% of the votes cast in Paola, contested for the first time this year by AD. He added that these elections have made it clear that every vote is significant and carries a weighty responsibility.

The growing presence of Alternattiva Demokratika only adds to the significance of the vote and the effect of decisions taken by voters. “All those who chose not to vote can now realise that they are the most significant electoral factor and that their support of Alternattiva Demokratika can bring about a profound and permanent change in Maltese politics.” Dr Vassallo said.

AD expressed its satisfaction with the result in Munxar, where the party polled approximately 12% of the first count votes and missed electing a candidate by just 2 votes. AD has contested more local council elections in this round than in previous years and has continued to make significant gains regardless of a significant drop in voter turnout Dr Vassallo added.

“We are the voice of a significant part of the electorate that feels the need for serious, deeply committed and honest politics”, Dr Vassallo stated. Dr Vassallo thanked all the candidates and helpers and had special thanks for those who supported them with their vote in the election.

Earlier, following his party’s victory in the Local Councils’ Election held on Saturday, the Malta Labour Party (MLP) leader Dr Alfred Sant described the result as a strong victory. During a press conference held early in the afternoon, Dr Sant expressed his satisfaction on the positive result obtained saying the swing confirmed the aspirations of the Maltese electorate for a change in government.

The MLP obtained a majority of 53.2% of votes in contrast to the 43.89% garnered by the Nationalist Party.

“The Maltese people want a change not only on a local level but also on a national level”, Dr Sant added. The MLP leader praised and thanked all the persons who gave their share during the campaign and also thanked all the families who showed the trust in the party by casting their vote for MLP. He said that the MLP managed to increase its elected mayors by three and the councillors by five while he also mentioned the new majorities in Gozo’s Xaghara and Munxar.

He continued to say that the swing in favour of MLP is consistent in all localities with the exception of two. He added that this shift in local councils has been ongoing since the Nationalist Party has lost all four local elections held since the party formed a government on a platform to take Malta into the EU in 2003. The losses for PN included the Members for the European Parliament elections.

Dr Sant said that the party is ready for elections even it was to be held today. When asked if this result reflects the election result, Dr Sant replied that the shift can be interpreted as a yearning for change on a national level. He concluded by saying that his party is committed to continue working on the plans for a new and fresh start for the country.