The three candidates who are able to contest the seat vacated by Labour MP Karl Chircop, who died last week, have confirmed their intention to submit their nomination for the casual election.

Former deputy leader Joe Brincat and first-time election candidates Gino Cauchi and Sebastian Muscat told The Times they will be vying for Dr Chircop's seat, a difficult move for all three considering the tragic event.

The 43-year-old family doctor was buried on Saturday after he passed away at a London hospital on October 12. The father of four had been in a coma since August 3, after suffering a cerebral haemorrhage.

The news of his demise cast a sombre atmosphere over Parliament and the prospect of taking the seat of a very likeable MP is daunting for the three hopefuls, making the experience as discomfiting as it might be fulfilling.

"It will be a very bitter experience," Dr Brincat said. The former MP and minister, who lost his seat in March's election, has been in politics since the 1970s and served as deputy leader under Dom Mintoff, Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici and Alfred Sant.

Similarly, Mr Cauchi, the former head of news of One TV, said it will be "very hard" to compete for the seat of "a dear friend".

"Karl was a good friend; we used to go out together to discos as teenagers. Later, he became my family's doctor and we have always had a close relationship," he said.

Mr Muscat said: "This is not bittersweet, only bitter. It will be very challenging to fill Karl's seat," he said, adding that the death of his neighbour had left him speechless.

Although the three said it was difficult to contest for the seat, all agreed that they owed it to their voters to do so.

When contacted, Chief Electoral Commissioner Eddie Gatt said there was still no date for the casual election, which will see Dr Chircop's votes being opened and counted again according to voters' second preference.

The process will start with the publication of a writ by the President in the Government Gazette.