Editorial

This evening, close to 900 delegates of the Malta Labour Party will be making - or, at least, have the right to make - a decision that will affect practically every person in Malta and Gozo. This is not being said merely to pile pressure on the men and women who will be voting for the new MLP leader but to highlight the responsibility they carry.

The chosen one will not only lead Labour in the years ahead but, all things being equal, is also likely to head the country as Prime Minister in-the-not-too-distant future.

The task is not an enviable one even if the polls seem to indicate two front-runners, namely, George Abela and Joseph Muscat (listed here in alphabetical order). Whatever the surveys may say, it is, ultimately, up to the delegates, and nobody else, to decide. Indeed, it would be foolish to simply write off the other three contenders, namely Evarist Bartolo, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and Michael Falzon.

Attitude, skills and personal qualities will be among the main criteria on which the delegates will be basing their choice. Human nature being what it is, there will, of course, be an element of personal feelings involved, but the big majority of the delegates must have realised by now that, for the good of the party and the country, they need to be guided by both their mind and their heart rather than just by their feelings.

A bad choice tonight can only mean more years of turmoil for a party that ought to be the government-in-waiting.

What makes the choice such a momentous decision is also the unsavoury fact that the MLP is emerging from its third electoral defeat in a row. It should not have, really, but those at the top persisted in committing one blunder after another and continue to do so... It is hoped the party has learned its lesson and a first, clear and concrete indication would be given tonight when the vote becomes known.

The report on the MLP's electoral defeat lists a number of shortcomings that must never be repeated. It almost lists what a successful leader should and should not do, always judging, of course, by the performance of the MLP over these past few years. In order to be able to make inroads, the new leader needs to be able to attract youths; should ensure that what the party decides happens and that it delivers; cliques should be banned; s/he should show s/he is able and willing to lead on his/her own; should ensure that the party's front-liners are adequately trained and prepared; should resist the idea that it is enough to keep one's ear to the ground and instead insist on proper research; should be willing to welcome intellectuals to the party; should be able to back candidates and be seen to be doing so; should insist on the better use of the party's media; should work on the party's branding; should remove the prevailing aura of suspicion and paranoia and be assertive with those who think the party owes them something; should ensure that the party does not transmit conflicting messages.

Quite a tall order but there are candidates who fit the bill.