On Saturday, 24 May, those entitled to cast their vote went to the polls. I am writing this well before voting even started.  I am taking a risk. This is my interpretation of the soundings of level-headed people with whom I have exchanged views during the last couple of weeks. 

Fact: The electorate is made up of various segments and interests groups.  The party diehards, irrespective of whichever one they support, are still and will remain a big chunk of the electorate, though floating voters are on the increase.   

Fact: A portion of the PL will give the red card to the PL for broken promises.  Similarly, a good number from the PN folds are still hot under the collar. It is to the benefit of some in the previous administration that lynching is illegal.

Fact: A number of switchers have realized that they have opted for the promised gold, in the last general election, but instead found a cheap imitation.   Their disappointment is palpable.

Fact: In protest, a share of the electorate will decline to make use of the vote. Parties’ strategists should take the cue and starting analysing why. 

Whatever the case and issue, it is game over.  The election result will speak volumes.  It is for parties’ administration to analyse, and for commentators to debate. A correct interpretation in the shifts calls for a serious, in-depth analysis and new strategies that address the messages sent by the electorate.   Even if this exercise is conducted behind closed doors away from the public’s watchful eye, political parties the least they can do be honest with themselves.   Last Saturday’s MEPs election result may not be music to some ears, but leaders and their respective parties should take a step back and reflect on the electorate’s warnings.

There is no going back on the marked preferences on the ballot paper.   In the eyes of the electorate, the elected six are the best suited to fill the vacant posts in the EU Parliament. All six are capable to stand up and give valid political contributions.  All are skilled to push forward their point while attracting the support of other MEPs from other EU member states. Indeed, no one is expected to pass judgment on the wisdom of the electorate, but it may be appropriate for Government to signal to the elected MEPs that they should not adopt “us and them” philosophies and theories.  Malta is an integral part of the EU project. Our elected MEPs should continue to demonstrate that, though small in size, Malta can and hopefully will continue to contribute towards the EU project, putting the well-being of citizens at the very centre of all decisions.

Government should, with our MEPs, promote the effective use of diplomacy and encourage the use of the persuasion skills which hopefully abounds our six MEPs.  Malta relies on their abilities, particularly to protect our national credibility.

Doubtless, there are many other ways in which our six MEPs can be developed.   Our MEPs should symbolise confidence and hope, promote investment, encourage economic activity, instigate social change and cohesion, and work towards a greener environment.

Throughout the course of the first decade in the EU, our MEPs have often been positively used as a vehicle for everything, from community cohesion to healthy eating initiatives.  In focusing on future challenges, our MEPs have to develop their work, take different challenges and explore new boundaries.  

According to the predications made, the PN is set for the very first time to gain the third seat and will be represented on equal footing at the EU Parliament. This should help the PN organise better its political agenda and start to make good for the large deficit in our national parliament.     

The PL will claim victory, terming it as ‘historic’ no doubt.  In Malta, the word historic is used very profusely and many times out of context.   The PL will retain a wide margin of votes in its favour, notwithstanding that it is predicted that it will lose some of the thousands who voted for the PL in the last general election. Fourteen months down the line from taking charge, it can hardly be otherwise.  Though Government has since gained considerable baggage, which is quite disproportionate to its rather short time in office, the electorate may turn a blind eye. Against all expectations and high hopes, following the last general election this Government has committed gross mistakes. It is yet to see whether the electorate is as yet in the mood to chastise Government for these mistakes.  Some are unwilling to believe that they had backed the wrong knight in shining armour. They still live in the hope that they were right. The real test for Government will start now. PL supporters, who were convinced in the last days before this election to cast their vote for PL MEPs, will return in droves for their pound of flesh. This may prove to be a huge challenge for the PL administration in the coming months.

If the anticipated outcome ensues, on Sunday afternoon “We are the Champions” by the unmatched Freddy Mercury of the rock group Queen will be the best-suited record to play as loud as possible in front of the PL Head Quarters to mark this electoral victory. At the PN head-quarters it would be different unless expected gains are realised.  The numbers will say it all.  It will be wise for those who should listen to do so at the very earliest.

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