The political conversation is in full swing in Malta, as the country edges closer to another general election. We all know how politics can be rather divisive in a small island where people feel a higher-than-average affinity to their chosen political party, yet I have noticed how our electorate is growing more mature, and willing to weigh all options and opinions.

It may be the sign of the times, as more people are exposed to different thoughts and beliefs and willing to entertain an exchange of ideas that often takes place very far from the limelight. It may also be the fact that a considerable cohort of our electorate is of a younger age, that may or may not feel as politically affiliated as their more senior counterparts, allowing them a wider political bandwidth to reflect upon.

That is why I am encouraged that many people are welcoming us into their homes, even if they may not necessarily share our political views but are willing to listen. Often, we come to many agreements which is immensely healthy, and it augurs well for the country's future.

And this is where I wish to make a personal observation, mainly directed at those who, let's say, have voted many more times than I have. While my gratitude for the service they have given the country is immeasurable, from my humble experience, they are the ones who have the most robust opinions that can very hardly be shifted by an inch. They are the ones who have experienced multiple generations of politicians, multiple legislatures, and seen the vastly different leadership styles of three, four, five, even six different Prime Ministers across decades.

They have experienced ill-advised decisions on their skin, their families have contended with the results of policies that left much to be desired. It pains me to say that in certain cases, they have even suffered injustices and abuse, which were intentionally meant to harm them.

I understand this, and cannot but offer a friendly shoulder and listening ear to each of these cases. They happened across decades, and sadly under all administrations.

But we cannot measure ourselves today, by the mistakes of our past. We cannot simply continue to define ourselves politically by an injustice we received 30 years ago, a job we were skipped for 25 years ago, an opportunity we missed out on 15 years ago.

I am of course at a greater liberty to express myself in this frank and genuine manner, given I have served my country from the Opposition benches so far, and the last time the Nationalist Party was in government, I was still a student.

This does not mean ignoring the lessons of the past. Far from it. There are issues, including matters of governance and accountability, which remain important and cannot simply be brushed aside. But there is a difference between acknowledging these realities and excluding everything that comes from a given political party outright, no matter what.

We need a political conversation that is honest at all times. One that recognises where we have come from, without being trapped by it. One that engages in a meaningful conversation, and acknowledges us all, both politicians as well as the electorate as people that are the product of our experiences today, not as who we were years ago.

Ultimately, elections are not a process of looking backwards but looking forward! Elections are a process of offering people hope, a sense of direction and inclusion.

If we want to give Malta a future that builds beyond the traditional divides, then we must find the courage within ourselves to rise above our own and collective past and be audacious enough to dream of a better future. Because in the end, politics is not about proving who was right or wrong in the past. It is about proving that, together, we can make better choices for the future.

Darren Carabott is Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Reforms, and chairman of the Public Accounts Committee