Four men, one woman, one objective... All have their fair share of strengths and baggage. Herman Grech and Mark Micallef take a snapshot of Labour's next leader.

George Abela

Age: 60

Profession: Lawyer

Status: Married to Margaret, with two children.

Arguments for: Charismatic and experienced, he is perceived as the candidate most likely to appeal to the floaters; a characteristic which arguably makes him the best candidate to reposition Labour as a natural party in government. He enjoys a rather privileged relationship with most of the press. Had the courage to acknowledge the mistake of opposing EU membership and removal of VAT. Also known for his organisational and leadership skills.

Against: In spite of having changed his mind, Abela will always remain a part of the 1996-1998 leadership trio. Moreover, he left the party in 1998 after a very unpopular stint in government. Internally, he is still criticised for jumping ship when Labour was in the midst of a political crisis and while he managed to make substantial headway, internal animosity against him could sabotage his leadership and ability to implement reform. His age could also work against him.

Campaign highlights: Claiming that Labour was planning an EU U-turn in 1997; floating publicly an idea that members should also be eligible to vote for leader and insisting on having a debate about Labour's defeat prior to the leadership race.

Memorable quote: "I've always believed that I never had a chance to infiltrate the party while Dr Sant was leader."

Evarist Bartolo

Age: 56

Profession: Lecturer and MP

Status: Married to Gillian, with two children.

Arguments for: Charismatic, media savvy and with a strong academic background, arguably the most profound and progressive of all the candidates. Coming from a middle-class, PN family background, and having chosen leftist politics out of a deliberate intellectual choice, he can empathise with Labour's traditional voter base, while being in the best position to understand how to make inroads in voter niches, which have so far found the PN more attractive than Labour.

Against: Has links with 'old' Labour. PN is bound to raise his 1997 stipend revision proposal and the attack he had launched against Prof. Kenneth Wain in the run up to the EU referendum. Internally, he is regarded as being too soft in his rhetorical approach to lead the party. He also has a reputation for being a crafty politician, which, while positive in certain respects, also raises some issues of trust.

Campaign highlights: Admitting that the stipends proposal was a sign of political immaturity.

Memorable quote: "Even if you analyse our last campaign, whether we like it or not, I think we give ourselves a very tribal image."

Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca

Age: 50

Profession: MP

Status: Married to Edgar, with one daughter.

Arguments for: Popular among the grassroots and a very effective parliamentarian. She is known to be very close to her constituency and is in touch with the country's social problems and contemporary solutions to them. She is a political heavyweight who is able to adapt while having a very strong identity - she gave proof of her willingness to personal development by taking on a law degree late in her career.

Against: She is widely perceived as an old school Socialist and as such is likely to struggle with attracting the floating voters Labour needs to win the next election, reinforcing the perception with the endorsement of veterans. She served as MLP general secretary during the early 1980s when the Labour party became associated with violence and corruption. Even though she has no direct links with happenings in those years, her past will most certainly be used against her should she be elected leader.

Campaign highlights: Obtaining the endorsement of Labour veterans Daniel Micallef, Vincent Moran and Joe Debono Grech.

Memorable quote: "Some people still cannot perceive a woman politician at the helm of the party."

Micahel Falzon

Age: 46

Profession: Lawyer and MP

Status: Married to Anna, with two children.

Arguments for: Comes from a staunch Labour background endearing him with the party faithful and has a strong electoral base, particularly in his home constituency, Sliema. Still, he is perceived as a moderate outside Labour and internally has been critical of how the party was being run during the past few years. He is known for keeping his word and is praised for his role in the negotiation of the amendments to the electoral boundaries.

Against: Formed part of the defeated Labour leadership and has been negatively implicated in the election report. Sometimes lacks communication skills and rarely commits himself definitively to a position, raising questions about his political vision (or lack of it). His politics and his rhetorical style (which became the butt of jokes during the electoral campaign) will likely appeal to the grassroots, which will not really help Labour come out of its rut.

Campaign highlights: Trying to defend his role in the party in the midst of Labour's electoral defeat.

Memorable quote: "In the upcoming contest, the Labour Party should emerge the winner, and not a particular faction within the party."

Joseph Muscat

Age: 34

Profession: Economist and MEP

Status: Married to Michelle, with two children.

Arguments for: Perceived as one of the bright sparks of the party and part of a new generation of politicians; has proved he is able to deliver in a bureaucratic institution like the European Parliament, while simultaneously reading for a Phd. He has set out a progressive, European vision and enjoys wide support within the party, which will help him implement the changes he is proposing.

Against: His young age and lack of direct experience in local politics can be a problem, especially as he often appears to over-compensate for this drawback, making his public performances appear less natural than those of his adversaries. Most of all, he is perceived as enjoying the support of the Labour establishment and is considered to be backed by Alfred Sant and Jason Micallef, which raises questions on his commitment to implement the radical reforms he is promising.

Campaign highlights: Obtaining the endorsement of PES head Martin Schulz, prompting protests from the other four candidates.

Memorable quote: "I want to be elected on my own steam and if people go for Joseph, they will get Joseph."