It all started as a joke, but small sweet pastries showing the Nationalist and Labour electoral campaign logos are selling fast.

They are the work of Paul Buttigieg, whose pastini are keeping him busy at his Mucho Gusto confectionery in Żabbar.

"Initially we thought they would not go down well with the locals. The Maltese take politics very seriously and actually fight over their beliefs. But we sold some 200 in less than a week... and we are even getting orders over the phone,” Mr Buttigieg said.

Sarah Carabott reports.