While there is still no definite sign of an election date, the entity that is ultimately responsible for its organisation, the Electoral Commission, has nothing to do, other than keep the pigeon holes at the new counting hall in Naxxar clean.

The pigeon holes are the individual spaces where the votes cast are kept during the counting process. But even these holes are still to be completed as, of course, there are no names affixed to them yet – each has to bear an election candidate’s name. And it has yet to be known whether the names will be those of the candidates for the national election, or those contesting for a seat on their local council.

The commission still has not been given a chance to take a peep at Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi’s closely guarded hand. And therefore it is not known whether to prepare for a national election, a local one or both simultaneously, sources said.

The commission undertakes different preparations for the two elections, because they are regulated by different laws.

The appointment of Assistant Electoral Commissioners (AECs) is a practical example of the difference between the two elections. When a general election is to take place, anyone whose name appears on the electoral register can apply for the post and may be chosen, unless political parties have something to object to, such as when applicants are relatives of election candidates.

On a local level however, people living in the localities where elections are to take place cannot apply for the post of AEC. This is, in fact, what has kept the Electoral Commission from issuing a call for applications – because it does not know which election will be the first to take place.

The next local elections are so far scheduled to take place on Saturday, 8 March, thus the latest date on which a writ for this election can be issued is five weeks before, which is Saturday, 2 February.

Such a writ is issued as a call for applications for candidates, AECs, counters, supervisors and party agents, and is normally issued long before the five statutory weeks are about to start.

Sources told The Malta Independent that the new counting hall at the former Trade Fair Grounds in Naxxar is ready to adapt to any election the prime minister may call.

However, the commission can do nothing, except play the wait-and-see game together with the rest of the country, since its every move might be interpreted in the light of the country’s best kept secret.

Until then, the pigeon holes will continue to be cleaned.