Guest Post: The Way Forward For Malta’s Politics
Can politics really be changed for the better? A very pertinent question to ask given the recent events as they unfolded on the local political scene.
This is more pertinent when one keeps in mind that recent surveys reveal a growing number of undecided voters. This is more pertinent when it is evident that the two major parties are clearly struggling to stay relevant and reconnect with the electorate. It is also pertinent in the light of the fact that the 2024 European elections witnessed a decline in voter turnout among young people under 25. Only 36% of eligible voters in this age group participated, marking a 6% decrease from the 42% turnout in the 2019 elections. Above all, this is pertinent given that, as is often said, “if you don’t do politics, politics will do you.”
This is a matter of concern to all local parties and even the population at large because as DeForest Soaries once noted, “voting is the foundational act that breathes life into the principle of the consent of the governed.” Truly so, because although many people see politics as the government and the laws being made, and that is true, it is way more complicated than that. Every vote that we make will either break people or make people.
Yet it is up to us as politicians to make politics relevant. It is up to us as politicians to ensure people’s engagement in politics.
Above all, it is up to us as politicians to avoid passiveness and indifference from voters towards politics. But sadly, as is often said, it is not the nature of politics that determines people’s engagement and involvement, but rather the people who make politics.
Looking at the current local political scenario, it comes as no surprise that we are living in times dubbed by many political analysts as “the era of undecided voters.” The recent sad parliamentary meltdowns have surely not contributed to better engagement. The recent character assassinations exercised by individuals, politicians and political parties have not helped either. Political scandals, government incompetences and failure to act on key issues haven’t either.
They have only consolidated in the minds of undecided and passive voters disillusionment, disappointment and most of all, anger. They have only contributed to enforce their thought that both parties are much of the same with no hope for a true change in the way we think politics and above all, the way we do politics. They have only triggered further anger and frustration among youths who see core values of democratic governance, such as consensus, dialogue, accountability, and inclusion, being ignored.
Politics should talk a different language. Politics is a profession of usefulness and necessity. Politics done well should be a positive force for good in a society and a community. Politics done well should inspire hope and trust. It should stimulate a new generation of politicians.
Above all, politics should be about stimulating the next generation to be actively involved in politics.
A recent Eurobarometer survey has shown that 45% of youths in Malta say they have taken some action to change society over the past year, such as participating in a rally, signing a petition, or writing to a politician. Youth involvement in some institutions is evident in everyday life, like university, private enterprises, NGOs, and religious organisations. Yet their involvement should also be through the classical mediums of political participation based on casting votes, joining political parties, engaging with their representatives, and participating in local government.
To achieve such a goal, we need a change. A change in the way we talk. A change in the way we listen to people, and a change in the way we act in our everyday life… and also in parliament. We need a change in terms of accountability and a change in terms of deliverables. We do not need to reinvent the wheel. We simply have to stand to what we were elected for. We simply have to fulfil our role as politicians. Above all, we simply have to walk the talk.
The challenges around us both on a micro and macro level are significant. There is no time for the Don Camillo and Peppone style of politics. Truly so because change is not just coming; it is here. It is now up to us as politicians to embrace change and act swiftly to ensure politics remain relevant.
Lovin Malta is open to interesting, compelling guest posts from third parties. These opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the views of the company. Submit your piece at [email protected]