Updated: PN elects first woman president

Paula Mifsud Bonnici this evening became the first female president of the Nationalist Party.

Dr Mifsud Bonnici obtained 500 votes while the other candidate - Lija mayor Ian Castaldi Paris garnered the remaining 253 votes. 761 of the 871 eligible candidates cast their vote. Eight votes were invalid.

An emotional Dr Mifsud Bonnici said in her first reaction that her priority was to be close to the party’s grass roots, insisting she was ready to work hand in hand with the leader and the general secretary.

She denied Labour Party media reports that her candidature was a challenge to the party’s establishment, which was said to be favouring her opponent.

Addressing councillors before the votes were counted, deputy Prime Minister Tonio Borg thanked former party president Victor Scerri and described him a "soldier of steel".

Dr Scerri had resigned in July after being embroiled in controversy over the construction of a farmhouse in Bahrija.