Election fever is now over. During this round of local council elections, character assassination and mud-slinging featured prominently once more. This is not helping our political class earn credibility, respect and trust.
After a short, intensive electoral campaign in thirty-four localities around the islands, the results are clear. The local council election results are now black on white. The PL has gained 53.5% of the votes, a decrease of 3.8% when compared with the same round of elections four years ago. The PN closed the gap with the PL, from 16.6% in the previous elections to 8.7% in this. Collectively, Alternattiva Demokratika and the independent candidates maintained 2% of the votes, though AD reported a marginal overall increase when compared with 2012.
The shifts in votes are very telling. During these elections, the PL invested loads of energy and resources in its home-localities. Notwithstanding the PL's tireless efforts, the PN gained ground in these PL-leaning localities. In addition to its efforts in PL strongholds, the PL also opted for an evident nation-wide electoral campaign. In contrast, the PN played a very low-key campaign and focused more on the people and their needs in the respective localities.
In an effort to gain the highest number of votes, the PL used all available means, including the Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. This comes as no surprise. Notwithstanding these efforts, the shift in votes from the PL to the PN is substantial. Nevertheless, one has to put this mid-term electoral test into perspective. The PL is still in time to take corrective measures and appease its followers, although we'll have to foot the bill for such concessions and grants at some point. Aggrieved and disgruntled PL supporters may have used these elections to show their frustration and disappointment at government. A good number of PL supporters may have either abstained or shifted their vote onto the PN candidates for their own personal agenda. This factor needs to be taken into account when analysing these electoral results.
Both the PL and PN party leaders cautiously addressed the media early on Saturday afternoon. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat claimed that the electoral results confirmed the political trend in the country, while the leader of the Opposition, Dr Busuttil, claimed that the PN is back in business. Interestingly enough, both claimed the electoral results as an achievement for their respective parties. However, during these early press conferences, none seemed euphoric with their party's achievement. The Prime Minister addressed the media from Castille Palace. His body language was not in sync with the prepared statement he was reading. He looked rather tired and disappointed. At the end of the news conference, he invited PL supporters to gather on Sunday to celebrate the electoral victory. This was completely out of place. On the other hand, the leader of the Opposition was not upbeat but was certainly thoughtful, careful and measured each and every word he uttered. He stressed the gains the PN made under his stewardship but he recognised that this is a works in progress and more needs to be done.
Both leaders are aware that these local council results can shift to either side in the coming general election in three years' time. These results have to be taken into account and a proper assessment must be conducted, even if this has to be done behind closed doors. Ignoring the signs will be at the peril of those in charge of the political strategy of both political parties.
Indeed, the results of these elections are an achievement for the PN and a morale boost for Dr Busuttil. But this is not enough. Much more needs to be done at the party grass-roots level while continuing to rejuvenate its structures.
Dr Busuttil's visit to the counting hall sent the PN agents into a frenzy, with many vocalising għax għandna Simon magħna, aħna magħqudin. Hopefully, this may have sent a strong message to all within the PN and others to stop all malicious rumours forthwith.
Though Dr Muscat may, in public, measure these local councils election results as another success for the PL, I am certain that he and his advisers are well aware that these results show fissures in the PL structures that need immediate attention. The major issue the PL would be facing in the coming months is basically one. People are holding to ransom the PL in office and would not take 'no' for an answer.
Indeed, everyone's a winner, though one party leader is more of a winner than the others. After all, the shift is clear.
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