Malta has entered election mode following the expected move by PM Robert Abela to call a general election for 30 May, triggering a constitutional process that begins with the dissolution of Parliament and leads all the way to polling day.
What happens first when an election is called?
The first and most important step is the dissolution of Parliament. This is carried out formally by the President of the Republic Myriam Spiteri Debono, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Dissolution is not just symbolic — it has immediate legal effect. From that moment:
- All parliamentary sittings stop
- No new laws can be passed
- Parliamentary questions, debates, and committee work come to an end
In simple terms, the legislative arm of government is paused to allow the country to choose a new Parliament.
What does “dissolution of Parliament” actually mean in practice?
Once Parliament is dissolved, Malta enters what is often described as a caretaker period.
During this phase:
- The government remains in office
- Ministers continue running their ministries
- Day-to-day administration continues
However, there are important limits. The government is expected to avoid:
- Major policy decisions
- Large public spending commitments
- Controversial or long-term agreements
This ensures that no major decisions are taken without a fresh electoral mandate.
Why is dissolution necessary before an election?
Dissolution ensures a clear constitutional reset. It marks the end of one parliamentary term and opens the way for a new one to be elected.
It also guarantees fairness:
- All candidates start on equal footing
- Parliament cannot be used as a political platform during campaigning
- The focus shifts entirely to the electorate
Without dissolution, the sitting Parliament would continue operating while campaigning takes place — which would create an imbalance.
What happens immediately after Parliament is dissolved?
Once dissolution takes place, the country moves rapidly into full campaign mode.
Political parties, including the Labour Party (Malta) and the Nationalist Party (Malta), begin intensive campaigning across Malta and Gozo.
This period is characterised by:
- Public rallies and mass meetings
- Media appearances and debates
- Political advertising
- Door-to-door canvassing
The national focus shifts almost entirely to the upcoming vote.
When are candidates officially confirmed?
Candidates must submit their nominations within a specific timeframe after dissolution. Once this process is complete, the Electoral Commission of Malta publishes the final list of candidates contesting each electoral district.
This marks the official start of the electoral contest at district level.
What happens next in the run-up to 30 May?
Following nominations:
- Voters receive their polling information
- Campaigning intensifies
- Parties outline their proposals and priorities
As election day approaches, attention turns to turnout, momentum, and key national issues.
What happens on election day?
On 30 May, voters cast their ballots using Malta’s Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, ranking candidates by preference.
After polling stations close:
- Ballot boxes are sealed
- Transported to the counting hall in Naxxar
- The counting process begins immediately
What happens after the results?
Once results are finalised, the President invites the leader of the party with a parliamentary majority to form a government.
That leader is then appointed Prime Minister, marking the beginning of a new legislative term.
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