The next election is due by mid-2013 at the latest but the Prime Minister has the prerogative to set an earlier date.

Given the prevailing political scenario, Lawrence Gonzi is likely to be assessing whether it is possible to continue governing in circumstances where a government MP has withdrawn his support or else test the waters and by calling a vote of confidence in Parliament.

According to constitutional law expert Ian Refalo, a vote of no confidence would prompt the President to dissolve Parliament but the Constitution gives the President some discretion if dissolution is recommended by the Prime Minister.

The Constitution lays down that if the President considers that the government can continue functioning and that dissolution “would not be in the interests of Malta”, he may refuse to dissolve Parliament.

If an election beckons, though, the first plausible option is March when local elections are due for half of the electorate.

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