The majority of respondents do not believe that the smaller political parties will be able to break the duopoly existing in the Maltese parliament for the past 40 years, according to the latest online poll on The Malta Independent website.

Only 32.4 per cent of respondents believe that this is possible, while the majority – 67.6 per cent – said that it is not.

One reader said that although he is a staunch conservative and always voted for the Nationalist government, he is disappointed with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi’s government and will vote for the Green Party (AD) at the next general elections.

Another respondent pointed out that even though there were many Nationalists who “would like to teach this government a lesson,” they would still play it safe and not risk voting for the Labour Party.

Several stated that, while it was impossible for small parties to win a seat in parliament, these could “add spice” to local politics by gaining votes that are usually assigned to either the Nationalist or Labour Party.