The people have cast their votes and, by the end of the day, Malta will know who will be entrusted with governing the country over the next five years unless, as happened this time round, the Prime Minister chooses to call a snap election.

After a month of intense campaigning, political rallies, debates, manifesto pledges and endless political discussion, the election has finally come to an end.

The campaign itself was triggered by a decision to call an election a year ahead of schedule, shortening the legislature and placing the country into election mode far earlier than expected. As happens with every election, particularly one called before its due date, normal rhythms were interrupted. Political attention dominated public life and national discussion revolved almost entirely around partisan politics.

Now that the people have spoken, the country must begin the process of returning to normality.

The celebrations will inevitably continue over the next hours and even into Monday. Electoral victories and defeats always generate emotion, particularly in Malta's deeply rooted political culture. Supporters will celebrate, candidates will analyse the results and parties will begin assessing what the outcome means for their future.

But once the celebrations fade, the country will expect its institutions to resume their full pace. The Cabinet will be appointed, Parliament will eventually reconvene and the administration must immediately turn its attention back to governing.

The country cannot afford for this slowdown to continue any longer. It must quickly resume the pace.

The past years have already brought enough instability and disruption through the pandemic, international economic uncertainty and rising global tensions. Businesses, families and workers are looking for stability, consistency and direction. The election may have dominated headlines for weeks, but the everyday concerns of citizens did not disappear simply because politicians were campaigning.

The rising cost of living remains one of the most pressing concerns facing the country. Families continue to feel pressure from increasing prices on food, fuel and everyday necessities. Inflation and international volatility have created financial strain across Europe, and Malta has not been immune. The election campaign produced many promises and proposals, but the focus must now shift from pledges to implementation.

Another issue which requires renewed attention is healthcare. During the campaign, political parties dedicated considerable time to discussing hospitals, medicines, waiting lists and healthcare investment. Once the political speeches are over, the public will expect tangible improvements and serious follow-through.

The environment is another area where action can no longer be delayed. Traffic congestion, overdevelopment, construction concerns and the lack of open spaces remain among the issues that repeatedly frustrate residents. Election manifestos once again contained lengthy commitments, but the coming years will determine whether these promises translate into real policy decisions. People will expect to see what the winning party, with its own plan for a mass transport system, will immediately set out to implement what it has promised.

Governance standards, which did not feature much in this campaign, must also remain high on the agenda. For one thing, the government and Opposition need to sit down and discuss the appointment of the Chief Justice and Auditor General, left in limbo as no agreement was found on the person who should occupy such important posts. The country deserves a solution to these two impasses quickly.

Election campaigns often encourage political rhetoric about transparency, accountability and ethics in public life. The period after an election is when these commitments must be tested. The public expects institutions that function properly, ministers who act responsibly, and standards that are consistently upheld.

At the same time, there is room for the country's political climate to improve further. This campaign, while intense, was relatively calm compared to some previous elections. There were disagreements and political attacks, but the overall tone was less aggressive and less divisive than campaigns Malta experienced in past decades. This should be seen as a positive development.

The country benefits when political competition remains firm but responsible. Elections are essential to democracy, but permanent political confrontation is exhausting for the public and unhealthy for national unity. Once the contest is over, parties must be capable of shifting from campaign mode to national responsibility.

The election campaign occupied the national conversation for weeks, but people ultimately prefer the peace of normal times. They want functioning services, economic security, cleaner communities and efficient institutions. Businesses want certainty. Workers want opportunities. Families want reassurance about their future.

This is why the country must now turn the page.

Politics will always remain part of Malta's identity and elections will always generate passion and excitement. But the campaign has ended. The voting is over. The country now needs its full attention directed once again towards governing, decision-making and addressing the realities people face every day.

Once the celebrations are over and the new administration is formally in place, Malta must quickly settle back into its routine and move forward.