Bernard Grech Has Resigned- Here’s What Comes Next
Bernard Grech has resigned as the leader of the Nationalist Party and as we all know, someone has to replace him… but how exactly will that happen?
Tomorrow, the Executive Committee of the PN will hold a meeting to begin the formal process of appointing a new leader in accordance with the party’s statute. But according to the statute itself, the real power to kick off the leadership election lies with the General Council.
Once the General Council officially launches the process, the Electoral Commission has three days to publish a call for declarations of interest. This opens the door for party members who wish to contest the role of leader to step forward. Anyone interested must submit their declaration within seven days of that call being made.
At that point, the Candidates Commission takes over. Within two days of receiving the names from the Electoral Commission, it begins verifying the eligibility of each prospective candidate.
This vetting period can last up to six weeks and concludes with a report determining who qualifies to run.
After that, the Electoral Commission issues a formal call for nominations. To be officially nominated, a candidate must submit a signed form backed by a number of party representatives: at least three MPs, five local councillors, 10 Executive Committee members, 50 General Council members, and 50 paid-up party members (tesserati). Candidates have five days to submit their nominations.
If more than two candidates are in the running, the first vote takes place among the General Council. This internal election, held around fifteen days after the close of nominations, reduces the field to the top two candidates with the most votes.
The final and decisive vote then falls to the wider party membership, during a General Convention. All paid-up members (tesserati) vote for their preferred leader, and the winner must secure more than 50% of the valid votes cast to be declared elected. If only two candidates are nominated in the first place, this vote takes place without the prior internal elimination round.
If, on the other hand, only one person is nominated, the process doesn’t end there. The General Council still holds a confidence vote to confirm that person as leader. They must still secure more than half of the valid votes cast to be elected.
Once a leader is elected or reconfirmed through a vote of confidence, no similar motion can be brought forward for at least two years.
Who do you think should be the next leader of the PN?
READ NEXT: 'It's Time For A New Chapter': Bernard Grech's Formal Resignation Letter
