With the switching on of the Christmas lights, domestic politics usually take second or third place in the minds of most people as they start to get into the spirit of the festive season. Reports of a possible election in November had sparked a frenzy in October but when this was ruled out, the situation returned to normal - or at least as normal as the political climate in Malta can ever be, which, in the eyes of many who live in much larger communities abroad, is somewhat abnormal, and sometimes bordering on the bizarre, too.

Even so, with an election only months away now, the festive season is unlikely to have any soothing impact on the increasing uneasiness gripping the two main political parties as they once again vie for power. This shows with every new controversy that arises and with the tone of practically every statement the two main parties issue. Libel suits pile up and harsher political language is used as politicians, eager to steal the limelight, throw caution to the wind. Promises are made with such great abandon that make people scratch their heads in disbelief. Political parties are unlikely to go along with the people insofar as Christmas spirit is concerned and will be out in force to continue to bombard the electorate with their political fodder, until the people become so weary, so bored with their antics, that they will wish to see an election being held today rather than tomorrow. All right, they may stop for a short while in the days leading to Christmas proper but the "truce" will be far too short to have any lasting beneficial effect on the country's political temperament. True, those who lived the days of the Socialist administration of Dom Mintoff have passed through far worse political experiences. But times have changed and the least most people expect is a more mature political discussion than that we have today.

Although the political environment is much calmer today than that which reigned in the past, the quality of our politics has remained more or less the same. Major culprits are the political stations of the Nationalist and Labour parties, which are often so biased in their reportage and analysis of the political situation in the country that one would be forgiven for thinking that there are two Maltas. This is what pluralism has produced, a first-class charade that has today become as acceptable as the revelry by half-drunk young people in Sunday afternoon festa marches in summer in honour of village or town patron saints.

Closer to the election, the political atmosphere will obviously become keener, as happens everywhere in lively democracies whenever the country goes to the polls. More libel suits will be filed, more challenges made and there will be no end to the number of promises that will adorn each party's political programme. Are the Nationalists fit enough to govern for another term? Have Labour been credible enough to earn the people's trust? These are two key questions that will arise in the forthcoming election.

With the issue over EU membership now settled, the deck would appear to be clear of thorny issues for Labour, at least up to this stage. Voters would have to decide if they will stick with the Nationalists, warts and all, or give another chance to Labour, with Alfred Sant at the helm, as they did in 1996. The problem with Labour is that with the kind of promises it is making, it is constantly shooting itself in the foot, a trait that puts off, rather than draws, people to its fold.