Joseph Muscat’s replacement in Parliament will be co-opted by the Labour Party, after the only two candidates eligible to contest the casual election for the seat chose not to submit their nomination.

Both Stefan Buontempo and Mark Causon posted on social media on Monday saying that they had chosen not to submit their nomination for the seat vacated by the former Prime Minister.

The deadline for them to submit their nomination expired at 12pm on Monday.

Buontempo said that he had stayed true to his decision in 2017 to stop being involved in politics, confirming that he “was never tied to power and always worked in a dedicated manner.”

Causon meanwhile said that he would not be contesting the casual election for “personal reasons.”  He also thanked Prime Minister Robert Abela for his "support and advice" in reaching his decision.

MEP Miriam Dalli has been touted as the most likely candidate to be co-opted into the Maltese parliament. 

Attempts by this newsroom throughout the day to make contact with her however have proven futile thus far.