Why did the Labour Party win the general election with such a wide margin over the Nationalist Party? Which crucial factors proved decisive? Why did such a vast majority of voters lose faith in Lawrence Gonzi and instead decide to place their trust in the leadership qualities of Joseph Muscat?

The concept of ‘good governance’ had a vast electoral appeal

These are a few of the questions that are being asked after the 2013 general election.

First of all, one has to consider the way the country was governed over the last five years. Accountability of government ministers was non-existent. Mega failures by certain ministers were tolerated as if nothing special had happened. Breaches of ethics and improper behaviour by other ministers went unpunished. Transparency in many aspects of public administration was often lacking. Too many appointments to public boards and committees were of persons who were publicly known for their support of the government of the day.

Muscat was offering a totally different way to govern the country. Anybody occupying a public post would be held accountable for his/her performance and behaviour.

Transparency in all aspects of government administration would be the order of the day.

Meritocracy and not political allegiance would be the yardstick by which all public appointments would, in future, be measured.

Many voters, fed up with the arrogance of the Nationalist Government, were attracted to this new vision of governing Malta. The concept of ‘good governance’ had a vast electoral appeal.

Labour’s electoral campaign was always positive. Furthermore, the campaign was excellently organised, making optimal use of the opportunities made available by the technological advances of our time. Furthermore, the political messages were constructed in such a way as to appeal to all voters.

Then, of course, one cannot fail to mention that Labour’s electoral programme was superior to that of the Nationalists. For instance, Labour’s proposals on energy were well planned, practical and, in addition, appealed to the pockets of all voters.

Furthermore, they fully respected the environment and people’s health. The Nationalist Party’s proposals in this area were shown to be inferior to those of Labour in all aspects. The Nationalists did their best to criticise and belittle Labour’s energy proposals but voters have become much more educated and discerning and they quickly realised that the Nationalists’ arguments did not hold water.

Corruption also dealt a heavy blow to the PN’s chances of winning the general election. Indeed, the Nationalist Government, led by Lawrence Gonzi, was plagued by this problem throughout the five years of its term.

The final nail in the Nationalist Party coffin was hammered by the Enemalta oil scandal. The extent of this scandal and the suspicions and allegations aroused by it reflected very badly on the Nationalist Government.

Gonzi may feel hard done by all this because one has to openly admit that he personally was always an honest politician who did his best for his country as he thought fit. However, the fact remains that there were too many allegations of corruption during the life of the Nationalist Government, some proven while others remained unproven.

Then, of course, there were the many sacrifices asked of the people by the Nationalist Government. Everybody understood that austerity measures were needed but everybody also expected that members of the government would be the first to set an example. Instead, people were astounded to learn that the Prime Minister had secretly awarded himself a hefty rise in salary!

Furthermore, while some people were finding it nearly impossible to make ends meet because of such things as the very high energy tariffs, the members of the Nationalist Cabinet made no sacrifices whatsoever. The best hotels were chosen for overseas travel, huge amounts of public money were spent on government propaganda of a partisan nature, unnecessary and costly ribbon-cutting ceremonies persisted. This ‘two weights, two measures’ policy highly irritated many voters.

Finally, there was Muscat, a leader of high calibre, a winner and a strict disciplinarian who tolerates no nonsense within and outside his political party. Throughout the electoral campaign, he demonstrated that he has all the qualities that make a successful Prime Minister.

His analytical skills are second to none and he has the creativity to come up with imaginative solutions to problems where none seem apparent to many people. He is also an assertive and strong leader without being aggressive in his approach.

The way he managed to unite the Labour Party and the way he demands absolute efficiency and integrity from all his subordinates speaks volumes about his leadership skills.

Muscat’s vision of a new Malta without political divisions, “Malta for all”, evidently had a great electoral appeal.

I conclude by thanking Gonzi for all his work for our country. Anybody who dedicates his life to the service of our country deserves our praise.