Albert Buttigieg is the first candidate to apply to contest the election to replace the late Robert Arrigo in Parliament.

Arrigo died last week.

The St Julian's mayor announced on Facebook that he had filed his application to contest the casual election, to be held on Friday.

Karl Gouder and Emma Portelli Bonnici are also eligible to contest.

Buttigieg's application ends speculation that the PN was looking to co-opt Alex Perici Calascione instead of Arrigo.