This year's local council election were held in Victoria, Sannat and Gharb.
In Victoria, the Nationalist Party (PN) obtained 2,765 votes (65.3 per cent), while the Labour Party (MLP) obtained 1,472 votes (34.7 per cent). The elected PN candidates are: Samuel Azzopardi with 446 first-count votes, Vivienne Mary Galea Pace (481), Anthony Hili (289), Josef Schembri (381), and Dr Anton Tabone (947). The elected MLP candidates are Victor Camilleri (458) and Joseph Debrincat (735). The quota was 530.
In Gharb, the PN obtained 468 votes (65.2 per cent) while the MLP obtained 249 votes (34.7 per cent). The elected candidates are David Apap Agius (319), Raymond Cassar (73) and Sam Cefai (49) for the PN, and Dimitrius Agius (132) and Eugenio Portelli (63) for the MLP. The quota was 120.
In Sannat, the MLP obtained 637 votes (55.8 per cent), while PN obtained 410 votes (35.9). The independent candidate obtained 93 votes (8.2 per cent).
The elected MLP candidates are Carmel Camilleri (382), Ruben Cassar (121) and Massimo Grima (134), while the elected PN candidates are Joseph Bajada (246) and Emanuel Terribile (164). The quota was 191.
Gharb councillor David Apap Agius (PN) told The Sunday Times that the election results show the voters' appreciation for the work done in the locality. He said that during his six years as mayor he did his utmost for the locality and made no partisan distinctions. He hopes that the new council continues to follow this policy.
Dr Anton Tabone (PN), councillor in Victoria, told The Sunday Times that he "will work wholeheartedly to reciprocate the people's trust during the council's three-year term, and to see that the capital's immense historical, cultural, social and artistic heritage is appropriately highlighted and addressed."
"I appeal to all Victoria's residents to identify themselves much more with the Council and its functions and to truly feel and believe that the council is there to make a difference to the locality," he said.
Sannat councillor Carmel Camilleri (MLP) has successfully contested the elections after having resigned for personal motives last year. "We aim to work as a team to overcome all obstacles", Mr Camilleri said, "and to improve on what past councils have already stated working upon."
Mr Camilleri highlighted several aims, including to work hand-in-hand with voluntary organisations, and to improve on the educational levels of children and adults. He also encouraged Sannat residents to forward any complaints or suggestions.
Victoria councillor Joseph Debrincat (MLP), who contested the local council elections for the fourth time, said he was satisfied with the considerable increase in votes. He said that he will be working according to the MLP's electoral campaign, and expressed gratitude for the voters' faith in him.
Samuel Azzopardi (PN), 20, president of Grupp Universitarji Ghawdxin, successfully contested the election for Victoria council.
"My post as president of GUG and my experience in voluntary organisations and NGO's has taught me how much working as a team is important for projects to succeed," he said.
"These last few weeks have taught me more about how the people of Victoria feel. Home visits give you first-hand information on what people want, what they think should be done.
"Communication with the citizens is very important, and I want to keep in touch with the Victorians," Mr Azzopardi continued. "I am strongly committed to working for the resolving of certain problems in Victoria and for its embellishment. I believe certain things must be done and now
I am there to see that they are realised."