Economy Minister Chris Cardona has just been elected the new PL Deputy Leader for Party Affairs with a total of 53.4 percent, or 389 total votes. 

Both candidates walked into the designated press area to give comments to the media and quickly embraced in a show of mutual respect and admiration.

Bonnici started off the comments by saying that the result clearly shows what people want. "This was a great experience for the PL, especially since we sat down and actually spent time with the delegates," Bonnici said, adding that "the PL today is better than last month" for this exercise.

The Justice Minister said that he looks forward to working hand in hand with the newly elected Deputy Leader and the race has inspired him to work even harder. "I will continue to do my utmost for the PL government," said Bonnici adding that he will keep working behind the Prime Minister to ensure another win for the next general election.

Bonnici congratulated Zrinzo for being a formidable opponent concluding by turning to Cardona and saying that, in times when he has to make difficult political decisions, "you will find me behind you at all times."

The newly elected Cardona took over from Bonnici by saying that this is an emotional moment for him. "We all gave our word to each other to not only be candidates, but also be supportive to whoever wins," said Cardona. Cardona at this point turned to Bonnici to congratulate him on a stellar race and to thank him for the opportunity to run against him.

"The level of enthusiasm which the delegates had shows that the PL is on the road towards becoming an even stronger party full of enthusiasm and people who are ready to choose the best for Malta." Cardona echoed Bonnici's words in saying that the party is on the way to finishing its first administration and its eyes are set on the next.

Cardona took a moment to thank former Deputy Leader, Toni Abela who stepped down in order to attempt to join the European Court of Auditors. "I would like to thank Toni Abela who was a person who inspired me in my political life because he is the most enthusiastic person which is comes to gaining wisdom." Cardona spoke of Abela sharing his wisdom with the party, even at times at his own personal detriment.

The Prime Minister took to social media to congratulate both candidates as soon as the results were known. 

Earlier today:

Voting at the PL HQ in the second round of the election for a new Deputy Leader for Party Affairs is now closed. There were 737 votes in total, which is 96.6 percent of all eligible voters.

365 votes need to be obtained by the winning candidate as 9 were invalid. 

Cardona had a marginal lead with one vote after the first table's count, while Bonnici regained the same marginal lead with the second table. Indications so far are neck and neck.

The fourth table's count has started to separate the two candidates with Cardona in the lead by 22 votes; however the fifth table's count narrowed the lead down to 8. It is anyone's race at this point.

Cardona is back up to a lead of 27 votes over Bonnici. The atmosphere is tense as the results seem to be taking longer than yesterday to be announced.

With a current lead of 45 vites ahead of Bonnici, Cardona is set to be the new Deputy Leader although he still needs 12 more votes from the final table to reach the quota of 365.

The first round, contested by Economy Minister Chris Cardona, Justice Minister Owen Bonnici and former PL President Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, was held yesterday.

Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi was eliminated, having obtained the lowest number of votes in the first round. Dr Cardona and Dr Bonnici are facing off in a run-off being held today. Voting started this morning and will close at 8pm. The result is expected to be announced around 9pm.

Prime Minister and Labour Leader Joseph Muscat cast his vote this afternoon. 

Dr Cardona, considered to be the favourite to win the election, garnered 310 votes in the first round. Dr Bonnici got 224 votes and Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi 213. The required quota was 375 votes.

Out of 763 delegates, 752 voted, amounting to a turnout of 98.56 per cent. Of the 752 votes, 747 were valid, meaning that the winning candidate would need a minimum of 375 votes.

Conceding the race, Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi said he looked forward to “continue positive work carried out by the party.”

“My hope is that the party continues to be a success,” he said.

Dr Bonnici said the voting process confirms the strong democratic standards of the party. Dr Cardona said he had no doubt that the delegates would make the best choice for the Labour Party.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat congratulated the three of them for the “close result” in a tweet.

 

Third deputy leader in last four months

No-portfolio Minister Konrad Mizzi was elected as PL Deputy Leader last February, however his involvement in the Panama Papers scandal left him stripped of his role within the party. His portfolios of health and energy were also removed, however Prime Minister Joseph Muscat chose to keep him on as a Cabinet Minister.

Whoever wins will be the third Labour Party deputy leader in the past four months, succeeding Konrad Mizzi and his predecessor Toni Abela.

Dr Abela said he would step aside in January after Prime Minister Joseph Muscat nominated him to sit on the European Court of Auditors. 

His resignation allowed Konrad Mizzi to be made deputy leader - something he did in February, being the only horse in the running. 

Dr Abela's failure to pass the European Court of Auditors grilling and Dr Mizzi's involvement in the Panama Papers scandal left the PL in the lurch. 

Dr Abela resigned the deputy leadership in March. But within a month, Dr Mizzi was made to resign the post in response to the public outcry over the Panama Papers.