Hundreds of Labour supporters spent most of the day outside their party’s headquarters in Ħamrun yesterday celebrating a victory they had been waiting 15 years for.

Today, the sun did not rise for half of Malta but for everyone

“We’re very, very happy. We have been waiting for all these years and now we get to celebrate as we deserve to,” said Silvana Farrugia, shouting to he heard over the loud, pumping music and cheering crowd.

Ms Farrugia was among the Labour supporters, many wearing red clothing, who turned up at the headquarters as early as 10am and remained there until about 5pm when Labour leader Joseph Muscat emerged on the balcony to address the crowd.

Dr Muscat was introduced as “Malta’s Prime Minister” as he walked onto the headquarters’ new balcony, which was built purposely for such an occasion.

He was accompanied by his wife, Michelle, deputy leaders Louis Grech and Toni Abela, party president Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, executive secretary Lydia Abela and international secretary Alex Sceberras Trigona.

“We campaigned as a movement and we will govern as a movement. Today, the sun did not rise for half of Malta but for everyone: those who voted for change and those who did not,” he told supporters, who waved red and white flags and hooted horns.

Dr Muscat said the election results showed that the Maltese wanted to make history.

This was the largest mandate ever given to a winning party since Independence, he said.

“This brings with it great responsibility. I feel humbled by this responsibility and promise I will work with all my energy to ensure no one feels alienated in his country,” he said, thanking all those who believed in him and all the young people and volunteers who helped out throughout the campaign.

One volunteer, Pawlu Ebejer, had tears in his eyes as he recalled all the hard work that had been done and was now bearing fruit.

“I’ve been helping with setting up tents on Sundays for over a year. And for the past months it was every day…

“I’m confident that Labour winning means that Malta will move forward. In all fairness, there was progress under the Nationalists but there is room for more,” he said.

Many were those who were confident that Labour would win the election. Stands selling food and alcohol, especially beer, had been set up in Ħamrun since early morning and people started gathering in front of the headquarters before the votes even started being counted.

“People are not stupid. We need a change. The water and electricity bills were weighing down on too many,” one man said. His friend added: “The heart knows when it’s time for change.”

By 11.35am – just over half an hour after votes started being counted – there was a loud cheer outside the headquarters and people started shedding tears of joy and hugging each other. The news had just spread that Labour won the election by a landslide.

We campaigned as a movement and we will govern as a movement

From that point on, the crowd just grew larger and larger and people started chanting “Joseph, Joseph” and “Viva l-Labour”.

They were reminded that the chant should be “Tagħna lkoll” – taken from the campaign logo Malta Tagħna Lkoll (Malta for all) – and that it was essential that one was prudent during the celebrations that continued at The Granaries in Floriana.

Tweet victory

Twitter was abuzz with activity as the first indications of Labour’s landslide victory started emerging. These are some of the comments.

Joseph Muscat:
The mandate is clear. It’s a humbling result. But Malta is not for election winners, it is for all.

Lawrence Gonzi:
I thank the people of Malta for entrusting me with the responsibility of leading the Government over the last nine years.

Michael Briguglio:
AD gets best result ever and thanks its 5,500 voters.

Joseph Calleja @MalteseTenor:
The people have decided and Malta has a new Prime Minister in Joseph Muscat. I am sure he will steer the country in the right direction.

Mario de Marco @TeamMDM:
Nationalist party leader Lawrence Gonzi congratulates the newly elected Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.

European Commission @EU_Commission:
President @BarrosoEU congratulates Joseph Muscat following electoral victory in Malta.

Andrew Borg-Cardona@imbocca:
Knock, knock – who’s there? – Lawrence, it’s Joseph, get out of my office.

Libyan Freedom Pilot @normageli73:
Well Done to the Maltese people. It’s time for change and the people have voted! Hope the new government listens and delivers.