It is Christmas and 'tis the season to be jolly as the old saying goes. It is also the season for political parties to put their activities on hold and enjoy the Christmas cheer - or is it?

Even though the two main political parties have put their activities on hold over Christmas, many are sceptical this year as to how or whether they will actually stop especially due to the constant speculation about the date of the general elections.

Although there have been many rumours – and dates mentioned, such as 8 December – it was always clear that the general election will be held next year. This was also confirmed during an orientation visit for the press held by the electoral commissioner in the new counting hall where a large sign on the wall said “General Elections 2008”. Though maybe that was meant to mislead.

PN general secretary Joe Saliba was adamant that the Nationalist Party stopped all its political activities during the Christmas period.

When asked by The Malta Independent whether the PN is gearing itself up for the general elections, Mr Saliba simply replied that it is business as usual.

“I still have to go in every day to the office – while the political activities have stopped, the usual office work has to be done – nothing more,” he said.

However, MLP deputy leader Michael Falzon said that even though the hard politics has been put on hold for the Christmas season, the Labour Party will still be active simply because it will have to make a presence in certain political activities or other events.

“Although I can only speak for the Labour Party, I'm positive that the political parties know what they are going to do in their respective electoral campaigns,” he said.