What’s happened in previous elections?

Malta’s 8th District voted in a three-seat PN majority in 2017 with fewer than 1,500 votes separating the two main parties. However, the Labour Party was able to secure three seats on the district in 2013, despite receiving 300 fewer votes than the PN in that election. 

The area has regularly been an intense battle between candidates and this year looks to be no different. 

Five Cabinet members face against PN heavyweights – but is enough to secure a majority?

There will be no less than five Cabinet members contesting on the district as the Labour Party attempts to land a major blow on the PN come 26th March. And with the loss of Chris Cardona, Edward Scicluna and Ian Castaldi Paris, almost 7,000 first count votes are up for grabs.

Finance Minister Clyde Caruana, who is contesting in a general election for the first time ever, will be hoping his status as Prime Minister Robert Abela’s right-hand man will propel him to one of the crucial seats. 

However, he does face a stiff challenge from Ministers Edward Zammit Lewis, Roderick Galdes and Clayton Bartolo, who are also running on the district. 

Meanwhile, Parliamentary Secretary Alex Muscat will also be looking to eat up some votes, as will newcomer Cressida Galea. It isn’t either of their primary districts, which could play a part in their efforts on the district.

Still, even if the PL does manage to steal the third seat, at least two Cabinet members will miss out on getting elected and will be relying on their performance on other districts to secure their seats. 

Zammit Lewis will be hoping he does enough after narrowly missing on getting elected in 2017. He only managed to get an MP seat in 2017  through casual election after Edward Scicluna’s chose his 7th District seat and he might struggle this time around. 

He has seen a waft of support following damning revelations over his relationship with Yorgen Fenech. However, it remains to be seen whether his infamous ‘gahan’ reference to PL supporters will harm his chances in this election. 

The PL’s strong list of candidates means it will likely secure the 7,000 votes that are ripe for the taking but could be in the running to secure even more. 

The PN will not give up their majority without a fight.

Beppe Fenech Adami, the son of former Prime Minister and President Eddie Fenech Adami, is a darling in the district and looks a shoo-in to secure his seat beyond 2022 after receiving a massive 6,500 first count votes in 2017.

Fenech Adami’s preference votes will be vital to the district. However, if the PN only manages to walk away with two seats, an intense battle between Deputy Leader David Agius and former leader Adrian Delia might be on the cards. 

Agius, who was elected on the district in 2017, will be hoping to build on his result. Delia, meanwhile, remains popular with grassroots voters and has benefitted from regular coverage during his tenure as party leader. 

Delia’s resignation as the leader has emboldened his supporters and he has strong ties to the locality, particularly its football team. Delia could emerge as the second most popular candidate in the district. 

Of course, their presence does give the PN plenty to work with to keep hold of its three-seat majority. There are other strong candidates in the district, including Justin Schembri, Julie Zahra and Alex Perici Calascione. However, they will likely need to hope for a casual election to get elected this time around.

What are the key issues in the district?

The district rests in the heart of Malta and is a focal point for many of the country’s issues. Construction and overdevelopment are the name of the game in the district – and could potentially play a key role.

However, scandal and corruption allegations might factor in. Chris Cardona’s resignation and links to the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia remains fresh in memory. 

And while it might not be enough to sway people to vote, it might be a serious dent in Zammit Lewis’ electoral chances with key ministers waiting in the wings to capitalise. 

Delia, of course, has faced similar allegations over his relationship with Fenech and potential bribes – but he has managed to curry sympathy from party supporters who feel he was wronged by being forced out of the leadership. Still, it remains to be seen how many votes he will receive as he is untested in elections. 

Who is going to come out on top?

While the Labour Party will put up a stiff challenge for votes, the PN looks like it will do enough to secure its three-seat majority beyond 2022, particularly if Delia receives a large number of first count votes. 

However, all eyes should be on the Labour Party ticket and which major figures could miss out. Caruana and Zammit Lewis will likely do enough, but it’s all to play for. 

Who do you think will miss out?