Independent candidate Arnold Cassola said that, until 5pm, he has obtained a record high percentage of votes, with a 2.02% in the 10th district, and a 2.11% in the 11th district.
Speaking to journalists at the Naxxar Counting Hall, Cassola said that he is personally satisfied with the results, and he is hopeful for slightly higher results. At the moment of writing, 11 ballot boxes are left in the 10th district, and 23 in the 11th.
“Obviously, I am not happy for Malta, as the current large margin gives Prime Minister Robert Abela a licence to continue with nepotism, clientelism and a politics of giving gifts, which has been normalized,” Cassola said.
Cassola said that he had never been contacted by unsatisfied Labour supporters who told him that they were considering voting for him.
He reminded that both the PN and the PL lost votes from the over-16s, noting also that there were more transfers from Labour supporters.
Cassola expressed concern for the country, saying that “we might be in for harder times, especially due to the current economy, pandemic and wars,” he said. He said that the Prime Minister ought to pay attention to independent and alternative parties as not everything is working well in the country.
Asked about the low voter turnout, which entailed only 85% of eligible citizens casting their votes, a staggering low compared to the 2017 election, Cassola said that this is representative of the unsatisfaction the public has towards the country’s political establishments.
“This is a protest vote, between those who did not collect their voting documents, the votes towards alternative parties as well as the invalid votes, this clearly shows unsatisfaction,” Cassola said.
The margin unfortunately means that the cheques, political favours, and direct orders are working, Cassola said.
Cassola said he will continue to fight and reveal stories, saying that the feudal mentality and politics of nepotism must stop.