The storm has passed, and the election is over. The deck has been reshuffled, and we turn the page to a new chapter in our country’s history. The Labour Party has made sweeping gains, although not on the back of an ever-increasing support base, but rather because many of those who oppose this government preferred to stay at home. One cannot blame them for their disillusion, however. Many refused to support a Nationalist Opposition that has compromised its integrity and its duty to the country to keep powerful people happy.

I will not go into too many examples of such compromises, but suffice it to say that you cannot pretend to care about the environment at the last minute and be credible about it overnight. Similarly, the meeting between PN MPs and 17 Black’s Yorgen Fenech was a sledgehammer to the anti-corruption credentials of the Nationalist Party, particularly because very few dared to utter a public word of dissent over it. The matter was covered up, despite the pretence of a board of inquiry being set up. Such a board can only be a farce, although I hope to be proved wrong.

I admit that I was surprised that even though the public was presented with an array of alternatives to the two-party system, so many preferred not to vote at all. This is indicative of the tribal mentality by which one will punish one’s own party by not voting, but will not betray it by voting for another. Many floating voters seem to be influenced by other factors, such as the patronage system, and will not step outside the system unless it is lucrative rather than merely inspiring.

The myth of the wasted vote must also be broken, given that Malta has the single transferable vote system which few seem to genuinely understand in its entirety. Third parties are often placed lower down on the list of preferences, meaning they are eliminated early on and never inherit any votes.

For the local council elections, not a single third party candidate was elected in Malta.

Alternattiva Demokratika lost its seat in Attard. The only silver lining was the election of Steve Zammit Lupi as an Independent in Zebbug. It is clear that a great rethink of strategy will be required over the next five years, as people do not vote for principles but rather for familiar faces. The array of fresh faces was not welcomed.

In Gozo, results were better for independents, though these were already known individuals who had previously served in public office. I congratulate them on their defiance of partisanship: they are an example for others to follow.

Charting the way forward for independents and third parties, we must look to the example of those who were successful this time around. Steve Zammit Lupi’s community work and innovative manifesto should inspire.

Camilla Appelgren is one of the stars of this election, as a foreigner who has done more for Malta than most Maltese during her years in the country. She obtained over 5,000 votes through her love of our country and her genuine nature. Her critics have tried to tar-and-feather her over her private opinions on the question of pro-choice vs pro-life, despite the fact that it was never part of her platform.

Theirs is self-defeating paranoia. The introduction of abortion into the national debate as a last ditch gambit for relevance by the Nationalists will remain one of the most dishonest crimes of these past few years.

Appelgren epitomises the very best ideals of active citizenship, and is the example all foreigners should follow. She serves as an inspiration to Maltese and Gozitans for the very same reasons.

Looking ahead, third parties and independents would do well to band together rather than fragment, and aim to get someone elected in each locality in five years. Even if the Nationalists replace Adrian Delia, the rot and the compromises will endure. Only a new movement can cleanse Malta without hypocrisy. Working to win a foothold in local councils across the country next time would be the springboard to permanent lasting change in the genuine national interest, away from poisonous partisanship.

Timothy Alden is Deputy Leader of Partit Demokratiku, until a new Executive is elected