4,200 voting documents remain uncollected

Malta goes to the polls today to determine whether it wants to form part of the next EU enlargement, at the culmination of one of the most intense and frenetic campaigns.

The electorate, and to a certain extent, the European Commission, will hold its breath for over 24 hours, as Malta holds its first referendum since 1964.

A third of the electorate will also be voting in the local council elections, a campaign that was, however, overshadowed by the referendum.

A total of 297,881 individuals are eligible to vote in the referendum but a total of 4,200 voting documents - or 1.41 per cent - remain uncollected, a spokesman for the Electoral Office said yesterday.

A total of 118,000 people are eligible to vote in the local council elections, though 3,600 - three per cent- voting documents remained uncollected.

Hundreds of staff from the two main parties have been mobilised as the party machines turn their attention from campaigning to the counting process at Ta' Qali.

The official referendum result is not expected to be known before tomorrow afternoon, at the earliest, though the political parties are expected to have an indication by late morning.

Counting of votes cast in the local council elections will not be begin until Monday at 8 a.m.

Polling stations open today at 7 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. The ballot boxes will start arriving at the Ta' Qali counting hall at around 11 p.m. with the last expected at about 4 a.m. tomorrow.

About 3,200 individuals, who will be involved in the electoral process, cast their vote at Ta' Qali yesterday.

The electoral commission pointed out that anyone who impedes or prevents the free exercise of a voter's right to vote today will be guilty of an offence according to law.

The Health Department said there will be no outpatients clinics and distribution of medicines today. Except for particular exemptions, no visitors will be allowed in hospitals today.

Hospital patients who wish to vote will have the choice to either opt for the transport service offered by the department, or else make alternative arrangements.

Those opting for the latter would need to obtain permission in writing from the hospital administrator.