(Adds Michael Falzon's comments)

Labour leadership contender George Abela said today he was “still in the contest” in the MLP election although he was “realistic” about his chances.

The other candidate in the run-off, Joseph Muscat, needed just three votes to win an absolute majority yesterday, having won 435 votes to Dr Abela's 200.

Dr Abela told timesofmalta.com that he had expected to win slightly more votes, but his surprise, he said, was the low number of votes polled for Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and Evarist Bartolo. “I never expected their numbers to be so low, that increased the advantage for Joseph Muscat” he said.

The outcome tonight depended on how the votes shifted. Although he was still in with a chance, he was being realistic , Dr Abela said.

He said the second round of voting would have been needed whatever he did, since the MLP statute required the leader to have the support of the majority of the delegates.

Michael Falzon, who came third in yesterday’s vote, with 181 votes, this morning issued a statement to thank the delegates and to promise loyalty to the party.

He also thanked all the other delegates who took part in the vote.

Dr Falzon, whose term as deputy leader (party affairs) ends next week, confirmed he will not seek another post but would serve as a Labour MP.

He augured the best to the new Labour leader.