Nationalist Party councillors are not spoilt for choice when they vote for their leader because the contest, as expected, will be a one-horse race.
It was only party leader Lawrence Gonzi who threw his name in the hat for the leadership contest he requested. Nominations closed at noon yesterday.
The election was wanted by Dr Gonzi himself following declarations by backbencher Franco Debono that he was ready to support any leader but the present one.
Following this and other declarations and a no confidence motion that the government survived only with the Speaker’s casting vote due to Dr Debono’s abstention, Dr Gonzi sought to take stock of who was behind him and who was not.
He told an extraordinary party general conference in January that he was not only seeking a vote of confidence but would also demand a leadership contest in which he would be a contestant.
He submitted his nomination to general secretary Paul Borg Olivier at about 10 a.m.
The voting, by secret ballot, will take place on February 25, between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. (until 6 p.m. in Gozo), with the result expected that same evening.
About 850 PN delegates, also known as councillors, are expected to vote in this election. Dr Gonzi will need to secure the support of two-thirds of the vote to be confirmed leader.
His nomination was seconded by PN deputy leader Tonio Borg, Dr Borg Olivier, assistant general secretary Jean-Pierre Debono, general council president Paula Mifsud Bonnici, executive committee president Marthese Portelli, international secretary John Bonello, party whip David Agius and administrative council president Karol Aquilina, as well as Noel Galea and Kevin Sciberras.
The problems within the PN have persisted although Dr Debono has publicly acknowledged the importance of the decision taken by Dr Gonzi to assume responsibility and call the leadership contest.
Dr Debono abstained in the no confidence vote in Parliament on January 26 after having initially warned that he would vote against the government.
Speaking to The Sunday Times last Sunday, he refused to give a guarantee that he would vote with the government throughout this legislature.