A motion put forward to the 920 delegates of the Malta Labour Party, which proposed that the delegates as well as the card-carrying members of the party would be eligible to vote for a new leader of the party, was defeated. In other words nothing has changed and the new leader will be elected by the delegates only, like it had always been.

The result of the vote, however, has major implications for more than George Abela who had hoped that among the members at large he had a significant support which could have won him the leadership. The defeat of the motion is also a blow to Marlene Pullicino who presented it and who had to suffer stiff criticism including the accusation that she had presented the motion because of pressure from the Nationalist Party.

The vote went 165 for and 620 against. It was not even close, and although both George Abela and Marlene Pullicino put up a brave face, logic tells both that certainly they are not the darlings of the Malta Labour Party. For all intents and purposes, Dr Abela is out of the race. He knows it and many delegates will make sure of that.

Why am I not surprised? With the powerful machine which has maintained its rhythm in spite of a third consecutive defeat, and still controls the party’s goings on, then the prospect of change becomes less probable.

The remaining four can offer nothing new. All four have shown us their mettle and although they possess various talents between them, there is not one who clearly stands head above shoulders over the other three. In my opinion, one who may be an asset to the MLP is Michael Falzon. He is respected, goes about doing his job without much fanfare, has been around for quite some time, has a good sense of humour and can carry the most tedious task on his shoulders with dignity. This was never better demonstrated than at the counting office during the last election. He went on his business with an air of calm and class. He is also young but not too young.

Dr Falzon like the other three will have to grow into the job of being an effective Opposition Leader with the possibility of becoming Prime Minister in the short to medium term.

Michael however, has to demonstrate his leadership abilities if elected, that is, by sacking those who in the last 20 years or so proved to be a millstone around the MLP’s neck. Serious politics is not done by being cool, by displaying a silly smile at every camera angle, or by not answering questions put forward by the press. Serious politics is not bluffing, be anti everything while not proposing practical solutions. One cannot expect to win an election when promises designed to catch floating voters were so poorly presented and planted so many doubts in everybody’s mind that many preferred to spoil their vote or stay home.

The MLP suffers from many maladies which it seems to have a great aversion to their cure.

In my opinion Michael Falzon can change that by proceeding prudently while asserting his plan to modernise the party and thus enhancing its electability.

If the Malta Labour Party succeeds in finding the right person who can disassociate himself (or herself) from outdated policies embraced by past leaders and party administrators, then they will manage to strengthen our democracy by giving the electorate a decent choice.

Joe Martinelli

London, Ontario

Canada