The system being used for this election is different, but at the same time similar, to other local and general elections.

In general elections, held once every five years, Malta is divided into 12 districts, with Gozo and Comino being considered as the 13th electoral district.

Local councils are divided in three batches, and the election for every group is held every three years.

This is the first time that Malta has had an election in which it is considered as one electoral district.

After the polling stations close on election day, the ballot boxes will be taken to the Ta’ Qali counting hall where the reconciliation of all boxes will be carried out. The boxes will then be opened and votes will be place face-down in packs of 50. After this process has been completed, the votes will be turned and sorting will begin.

Electoral Commissioner Carmel Degabriele said the process will take longer than usual because of the number of candidates contesting this election. He said it is anticipated that the final result will be available on Wednesday night or early on Thursday morning.

However, it is expected that the first preference votes will have been counted by Sunday evening.

However, as far as the votes in the local council elections for 22 localities in Malta and Gozo are concerned, these will be counted on Saturday, 19 June, one week after the elections.