Coleiro Preca first past the post

Labour Party candidate Marie Louise Coleiro Preca was the first candidate to be declared elected last night with 5,490 first count votes.

Ms Coleiro Preca, who contested the sixth district (Qormi, Siġġiewi and Luqa) - where 22,763 votes were cast - was declared elected at about 8 p.m.

Speaking in a very hoarse voice at the Naxxar counting hall, Ms Coleiro Preca expressed her gratitude to her supporters and promised to serve all the people, especially those who are at a social disadvantage.

Ms Coleiro Preca, the MLP's spokesman for social solidarity, has been winning an increasing the number of first count votes over the past elections.

In the 2003 general election, she was elected on the same district with 4,439 votes and in 1998, with 2,205 votes. The notary, who is currently reading for a law degree, has been serving her party in Parliament since 1998. Before that she occupied several posts within the MLP including general secretary and member of the national executive.

Aged 13, she started doing voluntary work with the Catholic Action Movement and at 16 was elected public relations officer of the Polytechnic students' union.

Ms Coleiro Preca, who is married and has a daughter, was the founder of the Ġużè Ellul Mercer Foundation for adult education and has served as president of the Labour Party Women's Association.