Prime Minister Robert Abela has insisted that the Labour Party's upcoming congress does not automatically signal that a general election is imminent, even as political speculation continues to build.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday evening, shortly after party officials announced details of the event, Abela stopped short of ruling out the possibility of an early election. He acknowledged that the announcement had triggered conjecture but cautioned against reading too much into it.

"Everyone began speculating about the election because we called the congress," he said.

Under the party's statute, a congress may be convened in three circumstances: to elect a leader, ahead of a general election to discuss the party's political direction, or on the initiative of the executive committee.

The congress is set to open on Sunday in Gozo and will run until Friday 17 April, concluding in Ta' Qali with a speech by the Prime Minister. It will bring together party delegates, members, civil society representatives and social partners, all of whom are expected to contribute to the development of the party's electoral manifesto.

Its timing has fuelled speculation that a general election could be called in May or June. However, Abela stressed that the government is not bound to hold an election in the immediate term, noting that the constitutional deadline extends to March 2027.

Asked directly whether Malta could head to the polls before summer, Abela reiterated that an election would take place "between now and March 2027".

He declined to dismiss the prospect of an early vote, stating that the decision would ultimately depend on his assessment of the national interest.

"The election will happen when, in my discretion and judgment, the national interest dictates," he said.

Abela added that speculation around election timing is typical in the final year of a legislature and said he looked forward to engaging with stakeholders during the week-long congress.

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