2026 Maltese general election
This article documents a current election. Information may change rapidly as the election progresses until official results have been published. Initial news reports may be unreliable, and the last updates to this article may not reflect the most current information. |
30 May 2026
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All seats in the House of Representatives | ||||||||||||||||
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| Opinion polls | ||||||||||||||||
| Votes counted | as of 30 May 2026, 22:00 CET | |||||||||||||||
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General elections were held in Malta on 30 May 2026 to elect all members of the House of Representatives.
Background
[edit]The previous elections in March 2022 saw the Labour Party, which has governed the country since 2013, receive 55% of the popular vote and win 44 out of 79 seats in the House of Representatives.[1] Robert Abela, the Prime Minister of Malta and leader of the Labour Party since 2020, and his new cabinet were sworn in on 30 March 2022.[2] Bernard Grech, the leader of the Nationalist Party, was re-elected unopposed in May 2022.[3] The current Leader of the Opposition is Alex Borg, leader of the Nationalist Party, since 10 September 2025.[4] The election was announced following the completion of a deal to transfer Manoel Island back to the Maltese Government, and in the context of the ongoing war in Iran during a short address to the nation.[5]
Media speculation that the Prime Minister Robert Abela was considering calling a snap election had been ongoing since March 2026. On 22 March, Abela unveiled a focus on a "stronger Malta" for Labour's forthcoming manifesto in a speech to supporters.[6][7] Following hints during his Freedom Day speech of an impending election, the Labour Party held a Congress from 12 to 17 April in which the election manifesto guidelines were approved by the party's members.[8]
In an address to the nation,[9] Abela announced a snap election on 30 May 2026, citing current geopolitical instability as requiring a new mandate from the Maltese people.[10]
Parliamentary parties before the election
[edit]The table below lists parties represented in the House of Representatives after the 2022 general election.
| Name | Ideology | Political position | Leader | 2022 result | Seats at dissolution | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes (%) | Seats | ||||||||
| Labour Party (PL) | Social democracy | Centre-left | Robert Abela | 55.11% | 44 / 79
|
43 / 79
|
|||
| Nationalist Party (PN) | Conservatism | Centre-right | Alex Borg | 41.74% | 35 / 79
|
35 / 79
|
|||
| Independents[b] | 1 / 79
|
||||||||
Electoral system
[edit]MPs are elected from 13 five-seat constituencies by single transferable vote using optional preferential voting.[12] Candidates who pass the Droop quota in the first round are elected, and any surplus votes transferred to the remaining candidates, who will be elected if this enables them to pass the quota.[12] The lowest ranked candidates are then eliminated one-by-one with their preferences transferred to other candidates, who are elected as they pass the quotient, until all five seats are filled.[13] If only two parties obtain seats, if the party which wins a majority of first preference votes fails to achieve a parliamentary majority, it is awarded additional seats to ensure a one-seat majority.[13]
In 2018, the Parliament of Malta lowered the national voting age to 16.[14] During the 2017–2022 legislature a gender-corrective mechanism was introduced, with Article 52(A) of the Constitution stating that provides for up to 12 additional seats for unelected candidates from "the under-represented sex" in case one of both makes up less than 40% of the elected MPs.[15] Candidates are allowed to run in two different constituencies, and if elected in both, they must vacate one of the seats. Their replacement is chosen by a "casual election", in which the votes for the vacating candidate are redistributed.[16]
Despite conducting elections under a proportional ranked preferential system, Malta has a stable two-party system, with only the Labour Party and Nationalist Party having a proven realistic chance of forming a government.[17][18] Prior to the 2017 election, when the Democratic Party won two seats while running in a joint list with the Nationalist Party, the last time a party/parties other than the Labour Party or the Nationalist Party won seats were the pro-Church parties in alliance with the Nationalist Party in 1962.[19][20]
Timetable
[edit]| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 27 April |
|
| 28 April |
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| 29 April |
|
| 30 April |
|
| 1 May | |
| 2 May |
|
| 3 May | |
| 4 May |
|
| 5 May | |
| 6 May |
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| 8 May |
|
| 10 May | |
| 13 May |
|
| 14 May |
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| 15 May |
|
| 16 May |
|
| 17 May |
|
| 18 May |
|
| 19 May |
|
| 20 May |
|
| 28 May |
|
| 29th May - Silent Day / election silence. | |
| 30th May - Election Day | |
Participating parties
[edit]| Name | Founded | Leader(s) | Main ideology | Political position | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labour Party | 1921 | Robert Abela | Social democracy | Centre-left | |
| Nationalist Party | 1926 | Alex Borg | Conservatism | Centre-right | |
| AD+PD | 2020 | Sandra Gauci | Green politics | Left-wing | |
| Momentum | 2025 | Arnold Cassola | Centrism | Centre | |
| Aħwa Maltin | 2020 | Paul Salomone | Right-wing populism | Right-wing | |
| Imperium Europa | 2000 | Eman Cross | Ultranationalism | Far-right | |
Volt Malta stated they would not participate in the election, and would instead "support progressive and moderate third-party and independent voices".[35]
Candidates
[edit]MPs not running for re-election
[edit]| Party | MP[36][37][38] | District | First elected | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independent
(ex-Labour) |
Clayton Bartolo | 12 | 2017 | |
| Labour | Christopher Agius | 2 | 1996 | |
| Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi | 5 | 2017 | ||
| Aaron Farrugia | 1 | |||
| Michael Farrugia | 12 | 1992 | ||
| Roderick Galdes | 6 | 2003 | ||
| Edward Zammit Lewis | 8 | 1996 | ||
| Nationalist | David Agius | 11 | 2003 | |
| Karol Aquilina | 9 | 2017 | ||
| Ivan J. Bartolo | ||||
| Claudette Buttigieg | 8[*] | 2013 | ||
| Ryan Callus | 6 | |||
| Robert Cutajar | 12 | |||
| Mario de Marco | 1 | 2003 | ||
| Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici | 3[*] | 1998 | ||
| Chris Said | 13 - Gozo | 2008 | ||
Party totals
[edit]The Labour Party, Nationalist Party, AD+PD, Momentum and Aħwa Maltin fielded candidates in all 13 constituencies. Imperium Europa fielded their leader Eman Cross in two constituencies. Two independent candidates also ran.[39] Since candidates are allowed to contest two different constituencies, some parties have fewer candidates than constituencies.[40]
| Parties | Candidates | Constituencies | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labour | 72 | 13 | |
| Nationalist | 65 | 13 | |
| AD+PD | 8 | 13 | |
| Momentum | 7 | 13 | |
| Aħwa Maltin | 7 | 13 | |
| Imperium Europa | 1 | 2 | |
| Independent | 2 | 3 | |
Summary table
[edit]Key:
^ *: Outgoing MP, not necessarily elected from this district.
^ #: Party leader
| Constituency | Labour | Nationalist | AD+PD | Momentum | Aħwa Maltin | Imperium Europa | Independent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District 1 (5 seats) |
Keith Azzopardi Tanti[*] Glenn Bedingfield[*] Cressida Galea[*] Davina Sammut Hili[*] Fleur Abela Yana Borg Debono Grech Joseph Bugeja Jude-Taddeo Debattista John Grech Olaf McKay Nigel Vella Francesca Zarb |
Darren Carabott[*] Paula Mifsud Bonnici[*] Justin Schembri[*] Antonello Cuschieri James Ellul Alex Perici Calascione |
Mark Zerafa | Billy McBee | Giuseppe Aquilina Francis Mallia |
Eman Cross[#] | |
| District 2 (5 seats) |
Carmelo Abela[*] Robert Abela[*][#] Glenn Bedingfield[*] Byron Camilleri[*] Clyde Caruana[*] Amanda Spiteri Grech[*] Alison Zerafa Civelli[*] Clinton-Domenic Azzopardi Flores Jesmond Bonello Georvin Bugeja Martina Buhagiar Edward Cassar Delia James Grech Jorge Grech Shana Woods Rodrick Zerafa |
Bernice Bonello[*] Stephen Spiteri[*] John Baptist Camilleri Leone Sciberras |
Mario Mallia | Matthew Agius | Paul Salomone[#] | ||
| District 3 (5 seats) |
Carmelo Abela[*] Ray Abela[*] Chris Bonett[*] Owen Bonnici[*] Alicia Bugeja Said[*] Andy Ellul[*] Chris Fearne[*] Martina Buhagiar James Grech Eric Plumpton |
Janice Abela Chetcuti[*] Stephen Spiteri[*] Andrew Agius John Baptist Camilleri Miriana Calleja Testaferrata De Noto Errol Cutajar Raymond Gatt Leone Sciberras |
Brain Decelis | Mark Camilleri Gambin | Marrianne Sacco | Nazzareno Bonnici (Tal-Ajkla) | |
| District 4 (5 seats) |
Ray Abela[*] Jonathan Attard[*] Chris Bonett[*] Byron Camilleri[*] Katya De Giovanni[*] Andy Ellul[*] Chris Fearne[*] Amanda Spiteri Grech[*] Eric Plumpton Shana Woods |
Bernice Bonello[*] Mark Anthony Sammut[*] Duncan Borg Myatt Stefan Caruana Michael Piccinino |
Brain Decelis | Alastair Farrugia | Giuseppe Aquilina | ||
| District 5 (5 seats) |
Robert Abela[*][#] Owen Bonnici[*] Miriam Dalli[*] Julia Farrugia Portelli[*] Omar Farrugia[*] Remenda Grech Kaydem Schembri Rodrick Zerafa |
Toni Bezzina[*] Stanley Zammit[*] Conrad Borg Manché Duncan Borg Myatt Miriana Calleja Testaferrata De Noto Stefan Caruana Oliver Cini Owen Sciberras |
Melissa Bagley | Alastair Farrugia | Iris Vella | ||
| District 6 (5 seats) |
Malcolm Paul Agius Galea[*] Ramona Attard[*] Ian Borg[*] Rosianne Cutajar[*] Omar Farrugia[*] Omar Rababah Saviour Schembri |
Jerome Caruana Cilia[*] Frederick Aquilina Julian Borg Annabelle Cilia Oliver Cini George Muscat George Vital Zammit |
Sandra Gauci[#] | Billy McBee | Marrianne Sacco | Noel Apap Nazzareno Bonnici (Tal-Ajkla) | |
| District 7 (5 seats) |
Anthony Agius Decelis[*] Malcolm Paul Agius Galea[*] Ian Borg[*] Naomi Cachia[*] Julia Farrugia Portelli[*] Samantha Pace Gasan Omar Rababah Saviour Schembri |
Charles Azzopardi[*] Rebekah Borg[*] Adrian Delia[*] Ian Vassallo Hagi[*] Andrew Agius Paul Mazzola Anthony Mifsud |
Carmel Cacopardo | Pierre Schembri Wismayer | Iris Vella | Noel Apap | |
| District 8 (5 seats) |
Ramona Attard[*] Keith Azzopardi Tanti[*] Clyde Caruana[*] Cressida Galea[*] Alex Muscat[*] Vania Agius Tabone Yana Borg Debono Grech Jesmond Bonello Joseph Bugeja Rosette Cassar John Grech |
Ivan Castillo[*] Adrian Delia[*] Beppe Fenech Adami[*] Justin Schembri[*] Julie Zahra[*] Ludwig Cauchi Edmond Cuschieri Angelo Micallef George Muscat David Pace Ross |
Mario Mallia | Matthew Agius | Francis Mallia | ||
| District 9 (5 seats) |
Rebecca Buttigieg[*] Michael Falzon[*] Clifton Grima[*] Vania Agius Tabone Clinton-Domenic Azzopardi Flores Miguel Balzan Tania Borg Lorna Borg Vassallo David Caruana Lisa Cassar Shaw Mariah Meli |
Graziella Attard Previ[*] Graham Bencini[*] Eve Borg Bonello[*] Albert Buttigieg[*] Beppe Fenech Adami[*] Joe Giglio[*] Julie Zahra[*] Joseph Aquilina James Ellul Marija Gauci Jonathan Muscat Noel Muscat Alex Perici Calascione Charles Selvaggi |
Mark Zerafa | Arnold Cassola[#] | Josephine Borg | Eman Cross[#] | |
| District 10 (5 seats) |
Jo Etienne Abela[*] Rebecca Buttigieg[*] Katya De Giovanni[*] Michael Falzon[*] Clifton Grima[*] Miguel Balzan Tania Borg Lorna Borg Vassallo David Caruana Rosette Cassar Edward Cassar Delia Lisa Cassar Shaw Mariah Meli Deborah Schembri Damian Spiteri |
Janice Abela Chetcuti[*] Graziella Attard Previ[*] Graham Bencini[*] Eve Borg Bonello[*] Albert Buttigieg[*] Graziella Galea[*] Joe Giglio[*] Mark Anthony Sammut[*] Joseph Aquilina David Bonello Conrad Borg Manché Errol Cutajar Raymond Gatt Marija Gauci Noel Muscat Rachel Williams |
Marcus Lauri | Arnold Cassola[#] Pierre Schembri Wismayer |
Josephine Borg | ||
| District 11 (5 seats) |
Anthony Agius Decelis[*] Romilda Baldacchino Zarb[*] Miriam Dalli[*] Alex Muscat[*] Francesca Zarb |
Ivan Bartolo[*] Rebekah Borg[*] Bernard Grech[*] Spiridione Borg Edmond Cuschieri Joseph Grech |
Carmel Cacopardo | Mark Camilleri Gambin | Simon Elmer | ||
| District 12 (5 seats) |
Jonathan Attard[*] Romilda Baldacchino Zarb[*] Alicia Bugeja Said[*] Naomi Cachia[*] Rosianne Cutajar[*] Franco Mercieca Deborah Schembri Damian Spiteri Carlos Zarb |
Charles Azzopardi[*] Alex Borg[*][#] Ivan Castillo[*] Graziella Galea[*] Ian Vassallo Hagi[*] David Bonello Joseph Grech Anthony Mifsud Jonathan Muscat George Vital Zammit Rachel Williams |
Sandra Gauci[#] Luke Caruana |
Carmel Asciak | Simon Elmer | ||
| District 13 (5 seats) |
Jo Etienne Abela[*] Abigail Camilleri[*] Clint Camilleri[*] Anton Refalo[*] George Camilleri |
Alex Borg[*][#] Norma Camilleri Beppe Galea Luke Said Frank-Anthony Tabone |
Luke Caruana | Carmel Asciak | Paul Salomone[#] |
Tables by party
[edit]Labour Party
[edit]Note: Candidates are listed in alphabetical order, identical to ballot paper order.
Nationalist Party
[edit]| 2026 Maltese general election Nationalist Party candidates | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District 1
FIVE seats |
Darren Carabott[*] | District 9
FIVE seats |
Graziella Attard Previ[*] | ||
| Paula Mifsud Bonnici[*] | Graham Bencini[*] | ||||
| Justin Schembri[*] | Eve Borg Bonello[*] | ||||
| Antonello Cuschieri | Albert Buttigieg[*] | ||||
| James Aaron Ellul | Beppe Fenech Adami[*] | ||||
| Alex Perici Calascione | Joe Giglio[*] | ||||
| District 2
FIVE seats |
Bernice Bonello[*] | Julie Zahra[*] | |||
| Stephen Spiteri[*] | Joseph Aquilina | ||||
| John Baptist Camilleri | James Aaron Ellul | ||||
| Leone Sciberras | Marija Gauci | ||||
| District 3
FIVE seats |
Janice Chetcuti[*] | Jonathan Muscat | |||
| Stephen Spiteri[*] | Noel Muscat | ||||
| Andrew Agius | Alex Perici Calascione | ||||
| John Baptist Camilleri | Charles Selvaggi | ||||
| Miriana Calleja Testaferrata De Noto | District 10
FIVE seats |
Janice Chetcuti[*] | |||
| Errol Cutajar | Graziella Attard Previ[*] | ||||
| Raymond Gatt | Graham Bencini[*] | ||||
| Leone Sciberras | Eve Borg Bonello[*] | ||||
| District 4
FIVE seats |
Bernice Bonello[*] | Albert Buttigieg[*] | |||
| Mark Anthony Sammut[*] | Graziella Galea[*] | ||||
| Duncan Borg Myatt | Joe Giglio[*] | ||||
| Stefan Caruana | Mark Anthony Sammut[*] | ||||
| Michael Piccinino | Joseph Aquilina | ||||
| District 5
FIVE seats |
Toni Bezzina[*] | David Bonello | |||
| Stanley Zammit[*] | Conrad Borg Manché | ||||
| Conrad Borg Manché | Errol Cutajar | ||||
| Duncan Borg Myatt | Raymond Gatt | ||||
| Miriana Calleja Testaferrata De Noto | Marija Gauci | ||||
| Stefan Caruana | Noel Muscat | ||||
| Oliver Cini | Rachel Williams | ||||
| Owen Sciberras | District 11
FIVE seats |
Ivan Bartolo[*] | |||
| District 6
FIVE seats |
Jerome Caruana Cilia[*] | Rebekah Borg[*] | |||
| Frederick Aquilina | Bernard Grech[*] | ||||
| Julian Borg | Spiridione Borg | ||||
| Annabelle Cilia | Edmond Cuschieri | ||||
| Oliver Cini | Joseph Grech | ||||
| George Muscat | District 12
FIVE seats |
Charles Azzopardi[*] | |||
| George Vital Zammit | LO Alex Borg[*][#] | ||||
| District 7
FIVE seats |
Charles Azzopardi[*] | Ivan Castillo[*] | |||
| Rebekah Borg[*] | Graziella Galea[*] | ||||
| Adrian Delia[*] | Ian Mario Vassallo[*] | ||||
| Ian Mario Vassallo[*] | David Bonello | ||||
| Andrew Agius | Joseph Grech | ||||
| Paul Mazzola | Anthony Mifsud | ||||
| Anthony Mifsud | Jonathan Muscat | ||||
| District 8
FIVE seats |
Ivan Castillo[*] | George Vital Zammit | |||
| Adrian Delia[*] | Rachel Williams | ||||
| Beppe Fenech Adami[*] | District 13 | LO Alex Borg[*][#] | |||
| Justin Schembri[*] | Norma Camilleri | ||||
| Julie Zahra[*] | Beppe Galea | ||||
| Ludwig Cauchi | Luke Said | ||||
| Edmond Cuschieri | Frank-Anthony Tabone | ||||
| Angelo Micallef | |||||
| George Muscat | |||||
| David Pace Ross | |||||
AD+PD
[edit]| 2026 Maltese general election AD+PD - The Green Party candidates | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District 1
FIVE seats |
Mark Zerafa | District 8
FIVE seats |
Mario Mallia | ||
| District 2
FIVE seats |
Mario Mallia | District 9
FIVE seats |
Mark Zerafa | ||
| District 3
FIVE seats |
Brian Decelis | District 10
FIVE seats |
Marcus Lauri | ||
| District 4
FIVE seats |
District 11
FIVE seats |
Carmel Cacopardo | |||
| District 5
FIVE seats |
Melissa Bagley | District 12
FIVE seats |
Sandra Gauci[#] | ||
| Luke Caruana | |||||
| District 6
FIVE seats |
Sandra Gauci[#] | District 13 | |||
| District 7
FIVE seats |
Carmel Cacopardo | ||||
Momentum
[edit]| 2026 Maltese general election Momentum Party candidates | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District 1
FIVE seats |
Billy Joe McBee | District 8
FIVE seats |
Matthew Agius | ||
| District 2
FIVE seats |
Matthew Agius | District 9
FIVE seats |
Arnold Cassola[#] | ||
| District 3
FIVE seats |
Mark Camilleri Gambin | District 10
FIVE seats |
Arnold Cassola[#] | ||
| Pierre Schembri Wismayer | |||||
| District 4
FIVE seats |
Alastair Farrugia | District 11
FIVE seats |
Mark Camilleri Gambin | ||
| District 5
FIVE seats |
District 12
FIVE seats |
Carmel Asciak | |||
| District 6
FIVE seats |
Billy Joe McBee | District 13 | |||
| District 7
FIVE seats |
Pierre Schembri Wismayer | ||||
Aħwa Maltin
[edit]| 2026 Maltese general election Aħwa Maltin candidates | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District 1
FIVE seats |
Giuseppe Aquilina | District 8
FIVE seats |
Francis Mallia | ||
| Francis Mallia | |||||
| District 2
FIVE seats |
Paul Salomone[#] | District 9
FIVE seats |
Josephine Borg | ||
| District 3
FIVE seats |
Marrianne Sacco | District 10
FIVE seats | |||
| District 4
FIVE seats |
Giuseppe Aquilina | District 11
FIVE seats |
Simon Elmer | ||
| District 5
FIVE seats |
Iris Vella | District 12
FIVE seats | |||
| District 6
FIVE seats |
Marrianne Sacco | District 13 | Paul Salomone[#] | ||
| District 7
FIVE seats |
Iris Vella | ||||
Imperium Europa
[edit]| Candidate | Districts | |
|---|---|---|
| Eman Alexander Cross[#] | 1 and 9 |
Independents
[edit]| Candidate | Districts | |
|---|---|---|
| Noel Apap | 6 and 7 | |
| Nazzareno Bonnici | 3 and 6 |
Campaign
[edit]Labour Party
[edit]The Labour Party began its campaign by publishing their slogan Int Malta or You Are Malta in English and multiple billboards with the slogan.[41] On 28 April, only a day after the election announcement, Labour held it first mass rally.[42] The party also published a series of proposals such as the increase of maternity and various other leaves. It also included multiple tax reductions and financial support largely aimed at young people, first-time buyers and seniors. On 29 April, the Labour Party announced it would be making Gozo Channel trips free for people, provided they do not bring their car with them, alongside other Gozo-related proposals, including a 45 million euro interconnector, the modernisation of all their schools and road reparations.[43] One of the most important rallies was held on 1 May, which is also Workers' Day where the party announced major promises to the people.
Nationalist Party
[edit]The Nationalist Party started its campaign by announcing their slogan Nifs Ġdid (A Breath of Fresh Air in English) while also installing billboards and banners with the slogan. On 28 April the Nationalist Party hosted its first Mass Meeting in Pieta, outside of the Party HQ. During the mass meeting the party announced multiple proposals related to healthcare such as a new hospital in the North, a new hospital in Gozo, an expansion of Mater Dei, free cancer treatment, and others.[23] Without any media presence, Alex Borg announced a new set of proposals which ensured that students in secondary education will be offered maritime related courses. He also suggested the reform of Transport Malta.[44] During a rally in Mellieħa, Borg promised minimum-wage stipends for healthcare students, an overall 25% increase in stipends, and heavy tax incentives for returning healthcare expats.[45] On 2 May, the party announced it would make Gozo a region.
AD+PD
[edit]Before the election was announced AD+PD and Momentum announced an electoral agreement.[46] On 28 April the AD+PD party announced its slogan, Ilkoll or All of us in English.[47] On 29 April the party announced its candidates for the election which include: Mark Zerafa in the 1st and 9th districts, Mario Mallia in the 2nd and 8th district, Brain Decelis in the 3rd and 4th district, Melissa Bagley in the 5th district, Sandra Gauci in the 6th and 12th district, Carmel Cacopardo in the 7th and 11th district, Marcus Lauri in the 10th district and Luke Caruana in the 12th and 13th districts.[48]
Momentum
[edit]Before the election was announced AD+PD and Momentum made an electoral agreement.[49] On 28 April Momentum announced its slogan, Bidla Ta' Veru (Real Change). Apart from Arnold Cassola, leading University researcher, Professor Pierre Schembri-Wismayer will run on the Momentum ticket. On 30 April, Momentum unveiled its candidates for all 13 districts.[50]
Aħwa Maltin
[edit]On 29 April Aħwa Maltin announced they would contest all constituencies under the slogan Malta għall-Maltin (Malta for Maltese). Their campaign has focused on seven key points: protection and support for the family, strict immigration controls, affordable housing, support for small businesses and workers, safeguarding cultural heritage and animal welfare, preservation of the Maltese identity, and tackling the cost of living.[51]
Imperium Europa
[edit]On 28 April Imperium Europa announced that party leader Eman Cross would contest the 1st and 9th districts. This is the first general election the party has run in since 2008, as it had since then focused solely on European Parliament elections.[23] On the same day, Imperium Europa's Instagram account was banned from the platform.[24]
Independents
[edit]Perennial candidate Nazzareno Bonnici, better known as Żaren tal-Ajkla (Żaren of the Eagle), announced that he would be campaigning in the third and sixth districts.[52] Noel Apap also contested as an independent candidate.[53]
Party manifestos and slogans
[edit]| Party | Manifesto (external link) | Original slogan | English translation | Refs | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labour Party | Manifesto (in Maltese) | Int Malta | You Are Malta | [54] | |
| Nationalist Party | Manifesto (in English & Maltese) | Nifs Ġdid | A Breath of Fresh Air | [55] | |
| AD+PD | Manifesto (in Maltese) | Ilkoll | All of Us | [56] | |
| Momentum | Manifesto (in English & Maltese) | Bidla ta' Vera | Real Change | [57] | |
| Aħwa Maltin | Manifesto (in Maltese) | Malta Għall-Maltin | Malta for the Maltese | [58] | |
| Imperium Europa | Manifesto (in English) | Salva Pajjiżek | Save your Country | [59] | |
Debates
[edit]| 2026 Maltese General Election Debates | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Time | Organisers | P Present A Absent invitee N Non-invitee | |||||||
| PL | PN | AD+PD | Momentum | AM | IE | IND | Watch link / Reference: | |||
| 11
May |
9:15
pm |
Broadcasting Authority & PBS / TVM
Vice leaders' of represented parties debate |
P Ian Borg |
P Alex Perici Calascione |
N | N | N | N | N | [60] |
| 15 May | No data | Broadcasting Authority & PBS / TVM | P Jonathan Attard Miriam Dalli |
P Darren Carabott Conrad Borg Manché |
N | N | N | N | N | [61] |
| 18
May |
Broadcasting Authority & PBS / TVM
Non-represented parties' press conference |
N | N | P | P | P Paul Salomone |
P Eman Cross |
N | [62] | |
| 18 May | 2:30 pm | MUDU Party Leaders Debate |
P Robert Abela |
P Alex Borg |
P Sandra Gauci |
P Arnold Cassola |
P Paul Salomone |
N | N | [63] |
| 19 May | No data | Broadcasting Authority & PBS / TVM | N | N | P Sandra Gauci |
P Arnold Cassola |
P Paul Salomone |
P Eman Cross |
N | [64] |
| 19 May | 10:00 am | Malta Chamber of SMEs | P Robert Abela |
P Alex Borg |
N | N | N | N | N | |
| 21 May | 9:15 pm | PBS & TVM –
XTRA programme |
P Robert Abela |
P Alex Borg |
N | N | N | N | N | [65] |
| 22
May |
No data | Broadcasting Authority & PBS / TVM | P Byron Camilleri Silvio Schembri |
P Conrad Borg Manché Joseph Grech |
N | N | N | N | N | [66] |
| 23
May |
Broadcasting Authority &PBS / TVM
Independent candidates' slot |
N | N | N | N | N | N | P Nazzareno Bonnici Noel Apap |
[67] | |
| 24 May | The Malta Chamber | P Robert Abela |
P Alex Borg |
N | N | N | N | N | [68] | |
| 25 May | 9:00 pm | Il-Każin/Times of Malta | A Robert Abela |
P Alex Borg |
N | N | N | N | N | [69] |
| No data | Broadcasting Authority &PBS / TVM
All parties' debate |
P Owen Bonnici |
P George Vidal Zammit |
P Carmel Cacopardo |
P Mark Camilleri Gambin |
P Simon Elmer |
P Eman Cross |
N | [70] | |
| 26
May |
Broadcasting Authority &PBS / TVM
Final message by non-represented parties' leaders |
N | N | P Sandra Gauci |
P Arnold Cassola |
P Paul Salomone |
P Eman Cross |
N | [71] | |
Involvement of AI in Campaigning
[edit]The election is regarded as the first election Malta had in the age of AI as edits and AI photos and videos filled social media. Less than a day after the announcement of the election, videos and photos aimed at mocking the two parties flooded social media. Most of these photos were centered around the slogans, Nifs Ġdid and Int Malta. Examples of these jokes were 'Int India' or 'You are India' because of the large number of Indian immigrants in the country. On the other hand photos began circulating of Alex Borg smoking cannabis.[72] AI involvement was not reserved to the two main parties, but smaller parties most notably Aħwa Maltin made a short edit showing their leader, Paul Salamone being smarter and more competent than Robert Abela.[73]
Opinion polls
[edit]
Opinion polling conducted in 2026 has generally shown the Labour Party maintaining a lead over the Nationalist Party, although the margin varies across surveys. A MaltaToday survey conducted in March 2026 placed the Labour Party at approximately 48.2% and the Nationalist Party at 45.6%, indicating a narrow lead.[74] Earlier surveys in January 2026 reported similar results, with Labour polling at around 48.9% and the Nationalist Party at 45.7%.[75] A separate survey conducted by Vincent Marmarà in February 2026 suggested a wider gap when accounting for undecided voters, projecting Labour support at 52.8% compared to around 42.6% for the Nationalist Party.[76][77]
Cost of living, purchasing power, and the economy are considered significant electoral issues, yet a KPMG report indicates that wages have effectively remained stagnant since 2018.[78][79]
Turnout
[edit]At 14.00 (comparison 2026 and 2022)
[edit]Note: these values do not include early voting turnout.[80]
| District № | Turnout 2026 |
Turnout 2022 |
Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 47.30% | 43.85% | |
| 2 | 43.39% | 38.26% | |
| 3 | 42.39% | 38.87% | |
| 4 | 44.41% | 42.81% | |
| 5 | 43.22% | 40.23% | |
| 6 | 42.70% | 39.32% | |
| 7 | 42.64% | 39.05% | |
| 8 | 46.46% | 42.55% | |
| 9 | 46.02% | 42.47% | |
| 10 | 42.58% | 41.47% | |
| 11 | 42.87% | 39.28% | |
| 12 | 39.76% | 37.72% | |
| 13 - |
42.95% | 40.50% | |
| Average Turnout All- |
43.59% | 40.50% |
Results
[edit]| Party | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labour Party | |||
| Nationalist Party | |||
| AD+PD | |||
| Momentum | |||
| Aħwa Maltin | |||
| Imperium Europa | |||
| Independents | |||
| Total | |||
| Registered voters/turnout | 356,832 | – | |
| Source: Electoral Commission | |||
By district
[edit]District 1
[edit]| Party | |
|---|---|
| Labour Party | |
| Nationalist Party | |
| AD+PD | |
| Momentum | |
| Aħwa Maltin | |
| Imperium Europa | |
| Total | |
District 2
[edit]| Party | |
|---|---|
| Labour Party | |
| Nationalist Party | |
| AD+PD | |
| Momentum | |
| Aħwa Maltin | |
| Total | |
District 3
[edit]| Party | |
|---|---|
| Labour Party | |
| Nationalist Party | |
| AD+PD | |
| Momentum | |
| Aħwa Maltin | |
| Nazzareno Bonnici | |
| Total | |
District 4
[edit]| Party | |
|---|---|
| Labour Party | |
| Nationalist Party | |
| AD+PD | |
| Momentum | |
| Aħwa Maltin | |
| Total | |
District 5
[edit]| Party | |
|---|---|
| Labour Party | |
| Nationalist Party | |
| AD+PD | |
| Momentum | |
| Aħwa Maltin | |
| Total | |
District 6
[edit]| Party | |
|---|---|
| Labour Party | |
| Nationalist Party | |
| AD+PD | |
| Momentum | |
| Aħwa Maltin | |
| Nazzareno Bonnici | |
| Noel Apap | |
| Total | |
District 7
[edit]| Party | |
|---|---|
| Labour Party | |
| Nationalist Party | |
| AD+PD | |
| Momentum | |
| Aħwa Maltin | |
| Noel Apap | |
| Total | |
District 8
[edit]| Party | |
|---|---|
| Labour Party | |
| Nationalist Party | |
| AD+PD | |
| Momentum | |
| Aħwa Maltin | |
| Total | |
District 9
[edit]| Party | |
|---|---|
| Labour Party | |
| Nationalist Party | |
| AD+PD | |
| Momentum | |
| Aħwa Maltin | |
| Imperium Europa | |
| Total | |
District 10
[edit]| Party | |
|---|---|
| Labour Party | |
| Nationalist Party | |
| AD+PD | |
| Momentum | |
| Aħwa Maltin | |
| Total | |
District 11
[edit]| Party | |
|---|---|
| Labour Party | |
| Nationalist Party | |
| AD+PD | |
| Momentum | |
| Aħwa Maltin | |
| Total | |
District 12
[edit]| Party | |
|---|---|
| Labour Party | |
| Nationalist Party | |
| AD+PD | |
| Momentum | |
| Aħwa Maltin | |
| Total | |
| Party | |
|---|---|
| Labour Party | |
| Nationalist Party | |
| AD+PD | |
| Momentum | |
| Aħwa Maltin | |
| Total | |
Notes
[edit]- ^ Expelled from the Labour Party parliamentary group.[11]
- ^ Clayton Bartolo[a]
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