What seemed to have been a historical moment for Alleanza Bidla has turned out to be no such thing.

Last Saturday, the tiny political party had its candidates apply, and be accepted, on more than two electoral districts, a moment that was described as historical by party leader Ivan Grech Mintoff.

But a rival small party, the Patrijotti Maltin, contested the decision, and the Electoral Commission upheld it today.

The complaint was made against Alleanza Bidla after it fielded two candidates - Ivan Grech Mintoff and Joseph Giardina on 12 and 11 districts respectively. Another candidate, Saviour Xuereb, was nominated on 10 districts.

The commission ruled that Mr Grech Mintoff must contest the first and the 12th districts (because he nominated himself for those first).

Mr Gambina may contest the seventh and 12th districts and Saviour Xuereb may contest the sixth and 11th.