Juan Ameen

Following Alfred Sant’s resignation as Malta Labour Party leader, rumours are rife about who will be replacing him.

The new leader will not have an easy mantle to wear. The Labour Party has lost three general elections in succession: in 1998, 2003 and 2008, apart from the 2003 European Union referendum.

Dr Sant resigned on Monday after the MLP’s fourth major loss, saying that his resignation was irrevocable.

According to the statute of the Labour Party, the leader and deputy leaders will be appointed in a general conference that is held after a general election, which is expected to take place by the end of April

A general conference to change, re-appoint or elect the leader and deputy leaders can also be called by the Labour delegates, the national executive and the parliamentary group.

The statute clearly states that leader is elected by secret ballot.

The nominations for the post of the leader of the Labour Party, which have to be in writing, will open a week before and close five days before the general conference.

Elections for the deputy leaders will not be held on the same day as that for the leader, however, these have to take place within a week after the new party leader is appointed.

To be elected, the leader and deputy leaders have to have an absolute majority of 50 per cent +1 of valid votes. If this majority is not achieved, another voting process will take place between the two candidates with the highest number of votes.