A new edition of the history of the general elections in Malta, L-Elezzjonijiet f’Pajjiżna fl-Isfond Storiku 1800-2013, written by Michael Schiavone, was recently released by Pubblikazzjonijiet Indipendenza (PIN).
In this fourth edition the author describes the political events that happen before and after every election since 1921, and also the political struggle of our forefathers since 1800 to achieve their rights, and the first constitution of 1835.
This volume contains the evolution of our political parties since 1800 and the granting of the new Constitution for Malta for Responsible Government in 1921.
Schiavone gives details of all the constitutional reforms between 1921 and 1974 and all the events, results, facts, tables, candidates elected and the respective photos of all deputies elected between 1921 and 2013.
Each of the publication’s 23 chapters is concluded with a table of the first preferences of every party in all districts.
The book includes statistics and details of all elections, including voting figures and candidates’ results. Two appendices give lists and biographies of all the political leaders, prime ministers and Speakers; a history and results of all referendums since 1870; the results of European Parliament elections; the proportional representation system; members of the electoral commissions; the Civil Commissioners; Governors and Presidents of Malta; important dates of our history; and a section of photography showing the most important events since 1921.
Prof. Henry Frendo, in his foreword to the publication, says: “This is not a simple chronological update of dates and facts about our electoral history, this book includes a documented commentary of the political events before and during elections and legislatures.
“The author emphasises the repeated incidents of political violence of the 1970s and the 1980s, as well as the political scenario during the negotiations of the Integration for Malta and the Constitution of Independence to Malta.”
This is an indispensable tool for the researcher, as well as for students and the public.
The book is available from PIN Bookshop, Mountbatten Street, Hamrun, for €55.