2026 Maltese general election

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

General elections were held in Malta on 30 May 2026 to elect all members of the House of Representatives. The result was a victory for the ruling Labour Party led by Robert Abela, which received 52% of the first preference vote and won 36 seats. While the party's vote share was down by three percentage points from the 2022 election, the party was still able to win a majority in parliament, the first time a party had won four consecutive elections.[1] The Nationalist Party, led by Alex Borg, won 31 seats with 45% of the vote, narrowing the gap between the two parties from 39,474 votes in the 2022 election to 21,721.[2][3]

Quick facts All seats in the House of Representatives, Turnout ...
2026 Maltese general election
← 2022
30 May 2026
All seats in the House of Representatives
Opinion polls
Turnout87.42% (Increase 1.79pp)
  First party Second party
 
Leader Robert Abela Alex Borg
Party Labour Nationalist
Last election 55.11%, 44 seats 41.74%, 35 seats
Seats won 36 31
Seat change Decrease 8 Decrease 4
Popular vote 158,444 136,723
Percentage 51.77% 44.68%
Swing Decrease 3.34pp Increase 2.94pp
Prime Minister before election

Robert Abela
Labour

 Elected Prime Minister

Robert Abela
Labour

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Background

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.[4] Robert Abela, the prime minister and leader of the Labour Party since 2020, and his new cabinet were sworn in on 30 March 2022.[5] Bernard Grech, the leader of the Nationalist Party, was re-elected unopposed in May 2022.[6] The current Leader of the Opposition is Alex Borg, leader of the Nationalist Party, since 10 September 2025.[7] The election was announced following a deal to transfer Manoel Island back to the Maltese government, and in the context of the ongoing war in Iran.[8]

Despite media speculation for months that Abela was considering calling a snap election, Abela repeatedly denied the rumours. On 22 March, Abela unveiled a focus on a "stronger Malta" for Labour's forthcoming manifesto in a speech to supporters.[9][10] 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.[11]

In an address on national television, Abela announced a snap election on 30 May 2026, surprisingly citing geopolitical instability as requiring a new mandate from the Maltese people.[12]

Parliamentary parties before the election

The table below lists parties represented in the House of Representatives after the 2022 general election.

More information Name, Ideology ...
 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
 Decrease 1
Nationalist Party (PN) Christian Democracy Centre-right Alex Borg 41.74%
35 / 79
35 / 79
 Steady
Independents[b]
1 / 79
 Increase 1
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Electoral system

MPs are elected from 13 five-seat constituencies by single transferable vote using optional preferential voting.[14] 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.[14] 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.[15] 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.[15]

In 2018, the Parliament of Malta lowered the national voting age to 16.[16] 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.[17] 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.[18]

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.[19][20] 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.[21][22]

Timetable

More information Date, Event ...
DateEvent
27 April
  • Prime Minister Robert Abela announces a snap election and requests a dissolution of Parliament from President Myriam Spiteri Debono.[8]
  • Labour Party and Nationalist Party announce their respective campaign slogans.
28 April
  • Former Affordable Housing Minister Roderick Galdes formally challenges the desicion by the Labour Party Executive to bar him from running due to a previous scandal which forced his resignation.[23]
  • The Labour Party reiterates its first few proposals concerning parental and youth relief from their upcoming manifesto during a press conference and during a mass meeting in Żejtun
  • The Nationalist Party announce its first healthcare-related proposals from their upcoming manifesto during a mass meeting in Pieta.[24]
  • Imperium Europa is banned from Instagram.[25]
29 April
  • Momentum announces that Professor Pierre Schembri-Wismayer will be contesting on their ticket.[26]
  • Alex Borg visited Maritime MT.[27]
  • Prime Minister Robert Abela met Roderick Galdes in private discussion.[28]
  • Robert Abela attends an interview in Sannat, Gozo, where he announces that the Labour manifesto will hold 100 Gozo-related promises, including a 45 million euro interconnector, the modernisation of all their schools and road reparations.[27]
  • Nationalist Party holds rally in Mellieħa, where Alex Borg promises minimum-wage stipends for healthcare students, an overall 25% increase in stipends, and heavy tax incentives for returning healthcare expats.[29]
30 April
  • Momentum unveiled their candidates for all 13 districts.[30]
  • Robert Abela announces a third interconnector between Malta and Sicily which would cost €600 million.[31]
  • AD+PD calls out the interconnector project as a 'false promise'.[31]
1 May
  • Labour Party holds flagship May Day mass rally in Castille Square, Valletta.[31]
  • Nationalist Party holds flagship May Day mass rally in Ħal Lija.[31]
2 May
3 May
  • Nationalist Pary holds rally in Bormla, where Alex Borg promised to cut energy bills by a third.[34]
  • Labour Party holds rally in Naxxar. During the rally Robert Abela pledged to increase children's allowance and in-work benefits.
4 May
5 May
6 May
8 May
  • Labour Party holds rally in Xagħra, Gozo.
10 May
  • Labour Party holds rally in Bormla, outside the Kottonera Sports Complex.
  • Nationalist Party holds rally in Siġġiewi.
13 May
14 May
  • Nationalist Party holds rally in Paola.
15 May
  • Nationalist Party holds discussion in Swieqi.
16 May
  • Nationalist Party holds rally in Munxar, Gozo.
17 May
  • Labour Party holds rally in Mqabba.
  • Nationalist Party holds discussion in Ħaż-Żebbuġ.
  • Nationalist Party holds mass meeting in Mosta.
18 May
19 May
20 May
  • Nationalist Party holds rally in Mqabba.
28 May
  • Labour Party holds rally in Floriana.
  • Nationalist Party holds rally in Luxol – Pembroke.
29 May – Silent Day / election silence.
30 May – Election Day
31 May – Counting and Results
  • Labour Party declares victory, details unclear.[36] Vote gap is being disputed.
Swearing in – Oath of New Prime Minister
1 June
  • Robert Abela is sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Malta.
New Cabinet
3 June
  • Robert Abela announces new cabinet to form part of the Maltese Government.
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Participating parties

More information Name, Founded ...
Name Founded Leader(s) Main ideology Political position
Labour Party 1921 Robert Abela Social democracy Centre-left
Nationalist Party 1926 Alex Borg Christian Democracy Centre-right
AD+PD 2020 Sandra Gauci Green politics Centre-left
Momentum 2025 Arnold Cassola Centrism Centre
Aħwa Maltin 2020 Paul Salomone Right-wing populism Right-wing to Far-right
Imperium Europa 2000 Eman Cross Ultranationalism Far-right
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Volt Malta stated they would not participate in the election, and would instead "support progressive and moderate third-party and independent voices".[37]

Candidates

MPs not running for re-election

More information Party, District ...
MPs not running for re-election
Party MP[38][39][40] 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
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Party totals

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.[41] Since candidates are allowed to contest two different constituencies, some parties have fewer candidates than constituencies.[42]

More information Parties, Candidates ...
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
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Summary table

Key:

^ *: Outgoing MP, not necessarily elected from this district.
^ #: Party leader

More information Constituency, Labour ...
Candidates in the 2026 Maltese general election
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[#]
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Tables by party

Note: Candidates are listed in alphabetical order, identical to ballot paper order.

Labour Party

More information Labour Party candidates, District 1 FIVE seats ...
2026 Maltese general election Labour Party candidates
District 1

FIVE seats

 Ray Abela[*] District 7

FIVE seats

 Anthony Agius Decelis
Keith Azzopardi Tanti[*] Malcolm Paul Agius Galea[*]
Glenn Bedingfield[*] Ian Borg[*]
Cressida Galea[*] Naomi Cachia[*]
Davina Sammut Hili[*] Julia Farrugia Portelli[*]
Fleur Abela Samantha Pace Gasan
Yana Borg Debono Grech Omar Rababah
Joseph Bugeja Saviour Schembri
Jude-Taddeo Debattista District 8

FIVE seats

 Ramona Attard[*]
John Grech Keith Azzopardi Tanti[*]
Olaf McKay Clyde Caruana[*]
Nigel Vella Cressida Galea[*]
Francesca Zarb Alex Muscat[*]
District 2

FIVE seats

 Carmelo Abela[*] Vania Agius Tabone
PM Robert Abela[*][#] Yana Borg Debono Grech
Glenn Bedingfield[*] Jesmond Bonello
Byron Camilleri[*] Joseph Bugeja
Clyde Caruana[*] Rosette Cassar
Amanda Spiteri Grech[*] John Grech
Clinton-Domenic Azzopardi Flores District 9

FIVE seats

 Rebecca Buttigieg[*]
Jesmond Bonello Michael Falzon[*]
Georvin Bugeja Clifton Grima[*]
Martina Buhagiar Vania Agius Tabone
Edward Cassar Delia Clinton-Domenic Azzopardi Flores
James Grech Miguel Balzan
Jorge Grech Tania Borg
Shana Woods Lorna Borg Vassallo
Rodrick Zerafa David Caruana
District 3

FIVE seats

 Carmelo Abela[*] Lisa Cassar Shaw
Ray Abela[*] Mariah Meli
Chris Bonett[*] District 10

FIVE seats

 Jo Etienne Abela[*]
Owen Bonnici[*] Rebecca Buttigieg[*]
Alicia Bugeja Said[*] Katya De Giovanni
Andy Ellul[*] Michael Falzon[*]
Martina Buhagiar Clifton Grima[*]
James Grech Miguel Balzan
Eric Plumpton Tania Borg
District 4

FIVE seats

 Ray Abela[*] Lorna Borg Vassallo
Jonathan Attard[*] David Caruana
Chris Bonett[*] Rosette Cassar
Byron Camilleri[*] Edward Cassar Delia
Katya De Giovanni Lisa Cassar Shaw
Andy Ellul[*] Mariah Meli
Chris Fearne[*] Deborah Schembri
Amanda Spiteri Grech[*] Damian Spiteri
Eric Plumpton District 11

FIVE seats

 Anthony Agius Decelis
Shana Woods Romilda Baldacchino Zarb[*]
District 5

FIVE seats

 PM Robert Abela[*][#] Miriam Dalli[*]
Owen Bonnici[*] Alex Muscat[*]
Miriam Dalli[*] Francesca Zarb
Julia Farrugia Portelli[*] District 12

FIVE seats

 Jonathan Attard[*]
Omar Farrugia[*] Romilda Baldacchino Zarb[*]
Remenda Grech Alicia Bugeja Said[*]
Kaydem Schembri Naomi Cachia[*]
Rodrick Zerafa Rosianne Cutajar[*]
District 6

FIVE seats

 Malcolm Paul Agius Galea[*] Franco Mercieca
Ramona Attard[*] Deborah Schembri
Ian Borg[*] Damian Spiteri
Rosianne Cutajar[*] Carlos Zarb
Omar Farrugia[*] District 13

FIVE seats

 Jo Etienne Abela[*]
Omar Rababah Abigail Camilleri[*]
Saviour Schembri Clint Camilleri[*]
Anton Refalo[*]
George Camilleri
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Nationalist Party

More information Nationalist Party candidates, District 1 FIVE seats ...
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

(Gozo at-large) FIVE seats

 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
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AD+PD

More information AD+PD – The Green Party candidates, District 1 FIVE seats ...
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

(Gozo at-large) FIVE seats

District 7

FIVE seats

 Carmel Cacopardo
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Momentum

More information Momentum Party candidates, District 1 FIVE seats ...
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

(Gozo at-large) FIVE seats

District 7

FIVE seats

 Pierre Schembri Wismayer
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Aħwa Maltin

More information Aħwa Maltin candidates, District 1 FIVE seats ...
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

(Gozo at-large) FIVE seats

 Paul Salomone[#]
District 7

FIVE seats

 Iris Vella
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Imperium Europa

More information Candidate, Districts ...
Candidate Districts
Eman Alexander Cross[#] 1 and 9
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Independents

More information Candidate, Districts ...
Candidate Districts
Noel Apap 6 and 7
Nazzareno Bonnici 3 and 6
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Campaign

Labour Party

The Labour Party began its campaign by publishing their slogan Int Malta (You Are Malta) and multiple billboards with the slogan.[43] On 28 April, only a day after the election announcement, Labour held it first mass rally.[44] 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.[45] 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.[46]

Nationalist Party

The Nationalist Party started its campaign by announcing their slogan Nifs Ġdid (A Breath of Fresh Air) while also installing billboards and banners with the slogan. On 28 April the party hosted its first Mass Meeting in Pietà, 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.[24] 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.[47] 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.[29] On 2 May, the party announced it would make Gozo a region.[48]

AD+PD

Before the election was announced AD+PD and Momentum announced an electoral agreement.[49] On 28 April, the AD+PD announced its slogan, Ilkoll (All Of Us).[50] The next day, 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.[51]

Momentum

On 28 April, on the same day as the AD+PD, Momentum announced its slogan, Bidla Ta' Veru (Real Change). Apart from Arnold Cassola, leading University of Malta researcher, Professor Pierre Schembri-Wismayer will run on the Momentum ticket. On 30 April, Momentum unveiled its candidates for all13 districts.[52]

Aħwa Maltin

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.[53]

Imperium Europa

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.[24] On the same day, Imperium Europa's Instagram account was banned from the platform.[25]

Independents

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.[54] Noel Apap also contested as an independent candidate.[55]

Party manifestos and slogans

More information Party, Manifesto (external link) ...
Party Manifesto (external link) Original slogan English translation Refs
Labour Party Manifesto (in Maltese) Int Malta You Are Malta [56]
Nationalist Party Manifesto (in English & Maltese) Nifs Ġdid A Breath of Fresh Air [56]
AD+PD Manifesto (in Maltese) Ilkoll All of Us [57]
Momentum Manifesto (in English & Maltese) Bidla ta' Vera Real Change [58]
Aħwa Maltin Manifesto (in Maltese) Malta Għall-Maltin Malta for the Maltese [59]
Imperium Europa Manifesto (in English) Salva Pajjiżek Save your Country [60]
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Debates

More information Date, Time ...
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 [61]
15 May No data Broadcasting Authority & PBS / TVM P
Jonathan Attard
Miriam Dalli		 P
Darren Carabott
Conrad Borg Manché		 N N N N N [62]
18 May Broadcasting Authority & PBS / TVM

Non-represented parties' press conference

 N N P P P
Paul Salomone		 P
Eman Cross		 N [63]
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 [64]
19 May No data Broadcasting Authority & PBS / TVM N N P
Sandra Gauci		 P
Arnold Cassola		 P
Paul Salomone		 P
Eman Cross		 N [65]
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 [66]
22 May No data Broadcasting Authority & PBS / TVM P
Byron Camilleri
Silvio Schembri		 P
Conrad Borg Manché
Joseph Grech		 N N N N N [67]
23 May Broadcasting Authority &PBS / TVM

Independent candidates' slot

 N N N N N N P
Nazzareno Bonnici
Noel Apap		 [68]
24 May The Malta Chamber P
Robert Abela		 P
Alex Borg		 N N N N N [69]
25 May 9:00 pm Il-Każin/Times of Malta A
Robert Abela		 P
Alex Borg		 N N N N N [70]
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 [71]
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 [72]
Close

Involvement of A.I. in Campaigning

The election is regarded as the first election Malta had in the age of A.I. as edits and A.I. 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.[73] A.I. 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.[74]

Opinion polls

Main article: Opinion polling for the 2026 Maltese general election
Local regression trend line of poll results, with each line corresponding to a political party.

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.[75] Earlier surveys in January 2026 reported similar results, with Labour polling at around 48.9% and the Nationalist Party at 45.7%.[76] 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.[77][78]

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.[79][80]

Turnout

The turnout of the election over the course of the designated four voting days was 87.42%.[81]

Overview (3 early voting days + election day)

More information District №, Total Registered Voters ...
Source: Electoral Commission[81]
District № Total
Registered Voters		 Votes Cast %
1 26,834 23,460 87.43
2 27,347 24,304 88.87
3 27,903 24,641 88.31
4 26,438 23,447 88.69
5 27,353 24,475 89.48
6 26,779 23,805 88.89
7 26,511 23,789 89.73
8 27,882 24,605 88.25
9 27,264 23,302 85.47
10 27,658 22,840 82.58
11 26,687 23,372 87.58
12 26,334 21,434 81.39
13 -
Gozo		 31,842 28,475 89.43
Average Total Turnout
All- Malta:		 356,832 311,949 87.42
Close

Election day at 14.00 (comparison 2026 and 2022)

Note: These values do not include early voting turnout.[82]

More information District №, Turnout ...
Source: Electoral Commission[82][83]
District № Turnout
2026		 Turnout
2022		 Change
1 47.30% 43.85% Increase 3.45%
2 43.39% 38.26% Increase 5.13%
3 42.39% 38.87% Increase 3.52%
4 44.41% 42.81% Increase 1.60%
5 43.22% 40.23% Increase 2.99%
6 42.70% 39.32% Increase 3.38%
7 42.64% 39.05% Increase 3.59%
8 46.46% 42.55% Increase 3.91%
9 46.02% 42.47% Increase 3.55%
10 42.58% 41.47% Increase 1.11%
11 42.87% 39.28% Increase 3.59%
12 39.76% 37.72% Increase 2.04%
13 -
Gozo		 42.95% 40.50% Increase 2.45%
Average Turnout
All- Malta:		 43.59% 40.50% Increase 3.1%
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Results

The Labour Party secured a fourth consecutive election victory on 31 May, winning 51.8% of the vote and a majority of 21,721 votes. The Nationalist Party received the support of 44.7% of the electorate, while third parties collectively obtained 3.5%.[3] The Labour Party mainly dominated in the south of the island of Malta, while the Nationalist Party dominated in the north of the island of Malta and Gozo.[2][3]

Results take in account any proportionality adjustments, however not yet gender quota assignments, and totals are not final.[84]

More information Party, Votes ...
Parliament of Malta
PartyVotes%+/–Seats+/–
Labour Party158,44451.77–3.3436–
Nationalist Party136,72344.68+2.9431–
Momentum4,7001.54New0New
AD+PD3,9961.31–0.3000
Aħwa Maltin1,8450.60+0.0800
Imperium Europa1670.05New0New
Independents1610.05–0.3800
Total306,036100.00–67–
Valid votes306,03698.05
Invalid/blank votes6,0931.95
Total votes312,129100.00
Registered voters/turnout356,83287.47
Source: Electoral Commission
Close

By district

District 1

More information Party, Votes ...
PartyVotes%+/–Seats+/–
Labour Party12,73455.23–4.843–2
Nationalist Party9,67441.96+4.402–1
AD+PD2030.88–0.2500
Momentum1940.84New00
Aħwa Maltin1480.64000
Imperium Europa1050.46New00
Total23,058100.00–5–3
Valid votes23,05898.35
Invalid/blank votes3861.65
Total votes23,444100.00
Registered voters/turnout26,83487.37
Close

District 2

More information Party, Votes ...
PartyVotes%Seats+/–
Labour Party16,02567.1540
Nationalist Party7,09229.7210
AD+PD3171.33––
Momentum2240.94––
Aħwa Maltin2050.86––
Total23,863100.0050
Valid votes23,86398.08
Invalid/blank votes4661.92
Total votes24,329100.00
Registered voters/turnout27,34788.96
Close

District 3

One additional proportional seat was awarded to the Nationalist Party.[85]

More information Party, Votes ...
PartyVotes%Seats+/–
Labour Party15,84365.5540
Nationalist Party7,41030.662+1
AD+PD2581.07––
Momentum4401.82––
Aħwa Maltin1430.59––
Nazzareno Bonnici770.32––
Total24,171100.006+1
Valid votes24,17198.10
Invalid/blank votes4691.90
Total votes24,640100.00
Registered voters/turnout27,90388.31
Close

District 4

More information Party, Votes ...
PartyVotes%Seats+/–
Labour Party14,81064.393–1
Nationalist Party7,48232.532+1
AD+PD2601.13––
Momentum2761.20––
Aħwa Maltin1740.76––
Total23,002100.0050
Valid votes23,00298.01
Invalid/blank votes4661.99
Total votes23,468100.00
Registered voters/turnout26,43888.77
Close

District 5

More information Party, Votes ...
PartyVotes%Seats+/–
Labour Party14,57060.943–1
Nationalist Party8,48135.472+1
AD+PD3361.41––
Momentum3181.33––
Aħwa Maltin2040.85––
Total23,909100.0050
Valid votes23,90997.67
Invalid/blank votes5712.33
Total votes24,480100.00
Registered voters/turnout27,35389.50
Close

District 6

More information Party, Votes ...
PartyVotes%Seats+/–
Labour Party13,32056.6030
Nationalist Party9,47840.2720
AD+PD4551.93––
Momentum1000.42––
Aħwa Maltin1260.54––
Nazzareno Bonnici560.24––
Total23,535100.0050
Valid votes23,53598.31
Invalid/blank votes4041.69
Total votes23,939100.00
Registered voters/turnout26,77989.39
Close

District 7

More information Party, Votes ...
PartyVotes%Seats+/–
Labour Party12,39553.2630
Nationalist Party10,12843.5220
AD+PD3391.46––
Momentum2581.11––
Aħwa Maltin1240.53––
Noel Apap280.12––
Total23,272100.0050
Valid votes23,27297.81
Invalid/blank votes5202.19
Total votes23,792100.00
Registered voters/turnout26,51189.74
Close

District 8

More information Party, Votes ...
PartyVotes%Seats+/–
Nationalist Party13,02253.8930
Labour Party10,17942.1220
AD+PD4151.72––
Momentum4091.69––
Aħwa Maltin1390.58––
Total24,164100.0050
Valid votes24,16498.21
Invalid/blank votes4411.79
Total votes24,605100.00
Registered voters/turnout27,88288.25
Close

District 9

More information Party, Votes ...
PartyVotes%Seats+/–
Nationalist Party12,82956.0730
Labour Party9,03939.5020
AD+PD1570.69––
Momentum7223.16––
Aħwa Maltin730.32––
Imperium Europa620.27––
Total22,882100.0050
Valid votes22,88298.20
Invalid/blank votes4191.80
Total votes23,301100.00
Registered voters/turnout27,26485.46
Close

District 10

More information Party, Votes ...
PartyVotes%Seats+/–
Nationalist Party13,63360.8530
Labour Party7,70134.3720
Momentum8203.660–
AD+PD1460.650–
Aħwa Maltin1040.460–
Total22,404100.0050
Valid votes22,40498.07
Invalid/blank votes4401.93
Total votes22,844100.00
Registered voters/turnout27,65882.59
Close

District 11

More information Party, Votes ...
PartyVotes%+/–Seats+/–
Nationalist Party12,72855.44+2.1030
Labour Party9,23640.23–1.8920
Momentum5392.35New00
AD+PD3301.44+0.2600
Aħwa Maltin1270.55+0.1000
Total22,960100.00–50
Valid votes22,96098.23
Invalid/blank votes4131.77
Total votes23,373100.00
Registered voters/turnout26,68787.58
Close

District 12

More information Party, Votes ...
PartyVotes%+/–Seats+/–
Nationalist Party11,01352.62+3.133–1
Labour Party8,98342.92–3.9020
AD+PD5932.83+0.4200
Momentum2010.96New00
Aħwa Maltin1390.66+0.0100
Total20,929100.00–5–1
Valid votes20,92997.64
Invalid/blank votes5052.36
Total votes21,434100.00
Registered voters/turnout26,33481.39
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District 13 – Gozo

One additional proportional seat was awarded to the Nationalist Party, tying the two major parties in seat count.[85]

More information Party, Votes ...
PartyVotes%+/–Seats+/–
Nationalist Party13,75349.32+5.383+1
Labour Party13,60948.81–4.7330
Momentum1990.71New00
AD+PD1870.67+0.3300
Aħwa Maltin1360.49+0.1600
Total27,884100.00–6+1
Valid votes27,88497.92
Invalid/blank votes5932.08
Total votes28,477100.00
Registered voters/turnout31,84289.43
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Aftermath

The Labour Party declared victory at approximately 11:00 am.[86] The initial projected vote gap between the two major parties was 18,000, a reduction of over half from the 2022 general elections, however the final tally released by the Electoral Commission indicates a gap of 21,721 votes, still a decrease of 3.34% for Labour. Alex Borg conceded defeat and responded to his loss with a sense of positivity on social media, stating that his work will continue and that he will work to further reduce the gap.[86]

Notes

  1. [a]
    Expelled from the Labour Party parliamentary group.[13]
  2. [b]
    Clayton Bartolo[a]

References

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