About 900 Labour delegates will tonight be making a decision that will change the political landscape. Mark Micallef speaks to five of them, each backing a different candidate.
For George Abela - Darleen Zerafa
Profession: Pharmacist
Marital status: Single
Age: 32
Has been active in the party for eight to nine years.
Why do you think George Abela would be the best Labour leader?
I think he would be the best leader for the party because he has the standing and ability to unite all elements presently still within the party as well as all those with Leftist tendencies but who have distanced themselves from Labour. I think he's the best alternative Prime Minister because his vision, his experience, not least in industrial legislation, his negotiating skills and his EU credentials potentially make him Malta's best alternative.
Name one policy or proposal which he has made during this campaign which you endorse wholeheartedly.
Without doubt, environment policy, where he is advocating a consensus among all interested parties, including the political parties, with regard to environmental issues. This is a far-reaching initiative because it can be instrumental in doing away with the pressure that can be exercised by donations from property magnates and speculators.
What changes would you like the party to make in the near future?
I would like to see a more inclusive party, wider and more open discussion, where the members of the MLP feel at ease. I would like to see a party that makes people in general feel welcome and free to voice their views and concerns and feel appreciated for their diversity of experiences and ideas.
What are his chances of winning?
I am hopeful but I never count chickens before they hatch.
What happens if your favourite candidate doesn't make it?
I will work with loyalty and dedication with whoever the delegates choose as party leader.
For Evarist Bartolo - Joe Zammit
Profession: Pembroke mayor and senior technical officer with the Water Services Corporation
Age: 53
Marital status: Married, two children
Has been active in the party since 1968.
Why do you think Evarist Bartolo would be the best Labour leader?
I feel that Evarist Bartolo can be the one who, with his particular, cautious way of doing things, can unite the party at this crucial juncture.
Name one policy or proposal which he has made during this campaign which you endorse wholeheartedly.
As a mayor I feel that his proposal to enhance the role of the local councils is very interesting. He suggested that local councils, together with the President, should form a body that will be able to present Bills for the approval of the House of Representatives. I think it's a brilliant idea that will boost the role of local councils.
What changes would you like the party to make in the near future?
As a first thing, I would like to see immediate elections for the administration. The new leader should have a fresh administration. I'm not saying that the ones presently on the administration cannot put their name for re-election but their position has to be put to the democratic test of the general conference.
What are his chances of winning?
I think certain delegates are looking at the faces and how well they may know a particular candidate more than how appropriate the person is for the job. I won't patronise the other delegates because I can understand it to a certain extent, but I think this may hurt people like Evarist.
What happens if your favourite candidate doesn't make it?
I'd like to emphasise this actually. As I said, I have been active within the party at different levels since 1968 and I have always been loyal to the party even when I wasn't completely in agreement with the leadership. Not unconditional support, to be clear, but I've always given my full support to the party. For instance, in the race between Alfred Sant and Lino Spiteri, I used to help Mr Spiteri, but when Dr Sant was elected I said: This is my leader and I will follow his lead. But this doesn't mean that when he was contested in 2003 I didn't have a different choice again. Even after that election, I supported the party and I used to hate what are now being described in the defeat report as different cliques.
For Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca - Christian Gauci
Occupation: Flight operations officer with Air Malta
Marital Status: Married, two children
Age: 52
Has been active within the party on and off since he was 14.
Why do you think Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca would be the best Labour leader?
Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca is a unique person in politics because she empathises with everyone. I admire her unfaltering belief in social democratic values which I fully endorse. I have known Marie-Louise for the past 30 years and her personality has never changed. I wish that all leaders would have her characteristics: She listens to everyone and assimilates all divergent views to produce a consensual proposal; she defends the rights of the people with all her might; and her speeches are inspiring.
Name one policy or proposal which she has made during this campaign which you endorse wholeheartedly.
She wants a continuous assessment of the party organisation in a way that will render the party an effective force that leads to a Labour victory, not for its own sake but for the sake of the country. The proposal to submit her leadership to the decision of the delegates again within four years is the epitome of this proposal.
What changes would you like the party to make in the near future?
First and foremost we must agree that our party still believes in social democratic values as upheld by all European Socialists parties. Then we need to redefine the party's structures in a bid to become more effective in the way we promulgate these values to the Maltese people. Personally, I don't believe in tinkering where the daily management of the party is concerned but in a radical make-over. Blaming the present officers is futile but the party's structures are not consonant with what a modern political party should look like.
What are her chances of winning?
Winning or losing are not terms to be used in a political context especially this one. The Labour delegates should channel their ability to recognise the best person that will lead the party in government to serve the best interests of the Maltese people. I believe Marie-Louise will come through.
What happens if your favourite candidate doesn't make it?
Nothing will happen. However, we will make sure that the Malta Labour Party will continue to uphold the social democratic principles.
For Michael Falzon - Ray Mizzi
Profession: Maintenance manager
Marital status: Married
Age: 48
Has been active in the party for over 25 years.
Why do you think Michael Falzon would be the best Labour leader?
I've known Michael Falzon for these last 20 years. During this time he has always proven to be a worthy leader in his own right, wherever he was involved. He organised the party's electoral office from scratch and led it for 11 years in a most professional manner. He has always been there for the party, in all situations, good or bad. He has always proven himself on his own merits and always practised what he preached, keeping his word till the end.
Name one policy or proposal which he has made during this campaign which you endorse wholeheartedly.
I like the fact that, although forward looking and innovative, he still puts the social democratic values of the Labour Party in their proper place within party policies.
What changes would you like the party to make in the near future?
In certain instances we need to continue on the good work carried out so far. In other cases drastic changes are necessary. As a party we definitely need to re-group and to organise ourselves better. We also need to address certain policy issues as soon as possible. I am sure that Michael Falzon will be able to carry out all the necessary changes.
What are his chances of winning?
His chances of winning should be good, considering his long years of service within the different party structures and his unwavering loyalty to the party, in all circumstances.
What happens if your favourite candidate doesn't make it?
I will still continue to work within the party, even if my favourite candidate is not elected leader.
For Joseph Muscat - Alex Sciberras
Profession: Lawyer
Marital status: In a relationship
Age: 26
Has been active within the party for the last four years.
Why do you think Joseph Muscat would be the best Labour leader?
The Labour Party needs to regain credibility with the electorate. We need to pursue a progressive agenda that provides the right solutions for the country's problems. I believe that the person who can achieve this is Joseph Muscat. Apart from his undisputed European credentials, Joseph can reinvigorate the party, giving it a clear vision and purpose. As confirmed by recent surveys, Joseph appeals to floaters and the elusive first-time voters, while simultaneously being able to mobilise the party's core vote. Overall, I'm certain that Joseph represents the best chances for Labour to win the next general election, not simply by default but by conviction.
Name one policy or proposal he has made during this campaign which you endorse wholeheartedly.
It's high time that as a member of the European Socialist Party we start championing civil liberties. In this regard, Joseph is proposing to create a unit of social dialogue within the party structures and to increase participation within the MCESD and give it pre-legislative powers. Finally, with Joseph at the helm of the party divorce will again be placed on the political agenda. It takes guts to face the conservative forces within this country but guts are what the party needs.
What changes would you like the party to make in the near future?
The party needs big changes. We need to become more professional and efficient. We need to open our doors to all those who want to help and do away with cliques and the siege mentality. The party needs clear, inclusive structures where policy can be discussed and formulated. We need to better our brand in order to become more attractive as a party, primarily to first-time voters. Finally, Labour needs to build bridges with the independent media and rid itself of the politics of paranoia. Joseph's 40-proposal manifesto provides for the changes that are needed. Joseph means change.
What are his chances of winning?
The proof of the pudding is in the eating. My wish is that whoever becomes party leader will have a strong support base that will empower him or her to make the necessary changes.
What happens if your favourite candidate doesn't make it?
My first loyalty is to the party. Irrespective of the outcome, I will remain active within the part to ensure a Labour victory at the next general election and to advocate the need for a progressive agenda within Labour and beyond.