Come Saturday, the sovereign electorate will be casting its vote to elect a government for the coming five years. It is, therefore, appropriate that the electorate bases its choice on the right information and stark reality.

It must be appreciated at the outset that the Nationalist Party, under the distinguished leadership of Lawrence Gonzi, governed through sensible policies, bringing about economic stability and leading the country to prosperity as evidenced by an economic growth of four per cent, the slashing of the deficit to 1.6 per cent and record levels of foreign direct investment.

In addition, Malta is nearing full employment, with almost 170,000 people working, the highest number in our island's history. Suffice it to say that 20,000 jobs were generated in just four years. This assured calm, peace and prosperity.

In the light of the foregoing, it is of paramount importance that nothing will be done to curtail this sustained economic growth, damage our livelihood and/or annihilate the joie de vivre that Dr Gonzi brought about. I strongly feel that a potential danger lurks in voting Labour. Alfred Sant's track record will readily reveal what one would expect to get.

I have listened to what Dr Sant and his party have been saying to the electorate and I can conclude that voting Labour would mean an increase in the public deficit, a drop in foreign direct investment, growing political uncertainty, shaken investor confidence, economic slowdown leading to stagnation, an increase in indirect taxation to pay for the oil used to generate electricity when the surcharge is halved, increased unemployment, about 15,000 in five years, and a lot more, not to mention our children repeating a year at school for no valid reason at all.

It is more than clear that the MLP is unchanged from 1996-8. Dr Sant sent Malta spinning into political and financial uncertainty when in government. Political and economic turmoil lead to the collapse of his government, unemployment soared and recession reared its ugly head and businesses began downsizing leaving many uncertain about their future. And he even had the cheek to freeze Malta's EU application and left the country without direction. He was only capable of creating political uncertainty.

In contrast, I feel that, given Dr Gonzi's past record one can look forward to a better future. Moreover, there is more in the offing if he is returned to government. One can expect sectors like the ICT and financial services to flourish. The recent success registered in the growth in tourism is destined to peak. Besides, the cutting of the upper income tax rate and the widening of tax bands would give a clear incentive to people to work harder and boost the economy.

Dr Gonzi means good governance. Dr Gonzi signifies honest leadership. Dr Gonzi epitomises stability. Dr Sant means curtailing economic growth. But, above all, a price on peace of mind.

So, the only choice is Nationalist. Labour need more years of repeating classes in the opposition. I cannot but wish them well for a bidu ġdid (a fresh start).

Mr Bonello is mayor of St Julians and a candidate for Saturday's local council elections on behalf of the Nationalist Party.