Tonio Borg is expected to be confirmed as Nationalist Party deputy leader today after he won 61 per cent of the votes cast at yesterday's election.

He was just short of the two thirds majority required by the party statute for immediate confirmation. Voting will take place between 3 and 9 p.m. today (3 to 6 p.m. in Sannat for the Gozitan delegates).

Speaking to the press after the results were announced by the party's electoral commission, Dr Borg said he was prepared to take up the new post filled with enthusiasm, given the high level of support.

He said his priorities would be to start discussions with prime minister designate Lawrence Gonzi on how best to deal with the challenges ahead. Topping these are the forthcoming elections for the European parliament and local councils. He said he would also focus on communication between the party's sections.

Asked about whether he would be made deputy prime minister, Dr Borg said that although this was the norm, it would be up to the prime minister to decide.

The other contender, Francis Zammit Dimech, has now been eliminated from the contest, losing with characteristic grace: "I will be among the first to cast my vote for Dr Borg tomorrow (Saturday)," he said to a standing ovation.

Dr Zammit Dimech pledged his allegiance to Dr Borg, describing him as his "sincere friend and colleague".

He also thanked outgoing Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami - who also received a standing ovation - for his contribution to the party, describing him as the founder of a European Malta.

Dr Borg is married to Adele and has three children, Daniela, Mark and Adriana.

Election results

875 eligible voters
857 votes collected
835 votes cast (two-thirds quota 557)
30 invalid votes
510 votes for Tonio Borg (61.1 per cent of votes cast)
295 votes for Francis Zammit Dimech (35.3 per cent)