On the eve of the election for a new Labour Party leader, I augur my fellow delegates to reflect deeply prior to casting their vote. After the third consecutive electoral defeat, the Labour Party is at a crossroad – our collective vote to select a new leader can give a fresh impetus to the MLP, giving it a genuine new beginning or consolidate the status quo with all its consequences. This is a very big responsibility that we have and, this time round we should ensure that we do not fail all those party faithful across Malta and Gozo.

Away from the political hype within the party itself and the local media, we as delegates of the MLP should look into our inner self and with a clear mind decide who of the five contestants deserves to lead the MLP for the coming years and is most capable not only of winning the next general election but also to have the ability to organise and restructure the MLP from within. We should not let misconceptions or external interference blur our vision to do what is good for the MLP and the thousands of Labour supporters in Malta and Gozo.

Recently, the MLP published the electoral report it commissioned to identify the reasons for its third consecutive electoral defeat. The report lists a number of deficiencies within the party and makes a number of recommendations how the party can better prepare itself for future electoral challenges. It is the duty of all MLP delegates to peruse and reflect deeply on the contents of this report. It should be our guiding star to ultimately make the correct decision on 5 June.

The leadership, the administration, the delegates, the vast number of Labour supporters and all those who look favourably towards social democratic principles form the MLP. All these elements in unison, with determination and an inspirational leader, “yes we can” make this party the soul and spirit of Malta.

Ethelbert Schembri

MLP delegate, Cospicua