Vote counting for the Labour Party Deputy Leadership role has closed, with neither candidate reaching the required 375 votes to be appointed to the role. In total, Justice Minister Owen Bonnici won 224 votes, Economy Minister Chris Cardona won 310 votes while former PL President Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi was awarded 213 votes.
A runoff will take place Saturday between Dr Cardona and Dr Bonnici. Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi has dropped out of Saturday's run off, having garnered the least number of votes, albeit by a slim margin.
Out of 763 delegates, 752 voted, amounting to a turnout of 98.56 per cent. Of the 752 votes, 747 were valid, meaning that the winning candidate would need a minimum of 375 votes.
Many believe that Dr Cardona would receive most of the votes, and he did, but the winning candidate needs 50 per cent plus one of the delegates’ votes in order to be appointed to the role. Dr Cardona and Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi could be seen eagerly awaiting the result of the count, however Dr Bonnici made an appearance after the count was announced.
Candidates' reactions
Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi said that the results indicate a runoff tomorrow between Dr Bonnici and Dr Cardona.
“First of all I would like to thank the candidates who took part, the delegates who turned up to vote and I wish the remaining candidates all the best of luck. I look forward to continue positive work carried out by the party. While my friends have Ministerial commitments, I will continue to contribute towards the party enthusiastically.
“My hope is that the party continues to be a success. With all my determination and energy I will work with whoever wins the Deputy Leadership role and with Prime Minister Joseph Muscat to continue moving forward.”
Dr Bonnici said the voting process confirms the strong democratic standards of the party, which he said fills him with joy. He thanked Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi and applauded him for the large number of votes awarded. He also commended him on the hard work undertaken by him in the run up to the Deputy Leadership vote.
“Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi has established himself as one of the pillars of the modern Labour Party.”
“Whoever the Deputy Leader will be, the PL will come out stronger and more united than ever before. Whoever wins, we will be 100 per cent loyal to the leadership, in order to continue delivering all that we have promised.”
Dr Cardona, closing off the night, also thanked his fellow candidates and delegates.
“I have no doubt the delegates will make the best choice for the Labour Party. Whoever gets elected will move closer to the wishes of our (PL) followers and delegates.”
He added that the party will continue to reflect the wishes of the public and the party activists.
Turning back to Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi, he said that throughout the electoral campaign he appreciated all of his positive qualities, and is convinced that he will continue to be a positive influence on the party.
In a message posted to the social media website Twitter, Prime Minister Muscat congratulated Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi for receiving such a high number of votes, and wished Dr Cardona and Dr Bonnici all the best of luck in tomorrow's run off.
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No-portfolio Minister Konrad Mizzi was elected as PL Deputy Leader last February, however his involvement in the Panama Papers scandal left him stripped of his role within the party. His portfolios of health and energy were also removed, however Prime Minister Joseph Muscat chose to keep him on as a Cabinet Minister.