MLP deputy leader Michael Falzon this morning strongly denied that the decision to extend polling time by an hour on March 8 had caused the Labour Party to lose the general election.

Sections of the media have been reporting that Dr Falzon is being blamed within the MLP for having agreed to the extension, claiming that tipped the election against the MLP.

But Dr Falzon pointed out at a press conference that there had been problems on polling day caused by a build-up of queues in those localities where voting for the general and local elections was taking place concurrently. Those localities, he pointed out, were mostly Labour-leaning, such as Senglea, Zejtun, Marsa, Zebbug, Zurrieq and Valletta.

When the MLP approached the Electoral Commission with a request to extend the hours in the localities where voting for both the general and local elections was taking place, it found that this was already being considered by the commission, Dr Falzon said. The commission decided to extend polling time by one hour in all localities to avoid confusion.

Dr Falzon said he would not let anyone harm his reputation within the Labour Party, which he had always served loyally and to the best of his abilities.

Dr Falzon made his comments during a press conference called for the MLP to give its reaction to the outcome of the local elections.

Earlier MLP deputy leader Charles Mangion thanked the Labour councillors for their work and said the fact that the MLP had won a majority reflected public appreciation for their efforts. He urged all councillors to put the interests of their localities first.

Dr Falzon said the reduced majority of votes for the MLP had been expected, given the higher turnout. He pointed out that the MLP had lost its majorities in Mqabba and Mellieha by the slimmest of margins.

No questions were allowed during the press conference.