The much talked about motion moved by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, which proposes that Gozo remains a single electoral district regardless of its population, was tabled yesterday in its first reading and was passed unanimously in parliament. The motion was tabled by Deputy Prime Minister Tonio Borg, on behalf of Dr Gonzi, and seconded by Education Minister Louis Galea.

Sources told The Malta Independent that the fact that the opposition did not vote against or call for a division on the tabling of the motion seems to indicate that the eventual debate should be constructive and should not provide any unnecessary fireworks, although this remains a highly contentious issue.

Additionally, the fact that the opposition MPs did not vote against the tabling of the motion even by a show of hands is encouraging for the actual passage of the Constitutional amendment, which requires a two-third majority.

Although the government has a majority of five MPs, it requires several opposition MPs to vote in favour if the amendment is to be carried.

The Labour Party has repeatedly stated that the keeping of Gozo as one district has never been an issue but it does not want Gozo to act as a test case for the playing about of other electoral districts.

The Nationalist Party has said that the removing of Ghajnsielem from Gozo and reapportioning it to the 12th district means that the village’s residents have been reduced to “second-class citizens” as they cannot vote for a home grown candidate.