(Adds Dr Muscat's call on Dom Mintoff.)

George Abela attended Labour's extraordinary general conference this evening and was promptly taken onto the stage by Joseph Muscat, the man who beat him to the leadership election a week ago. The EGM is being held for the delegates to elect the party's deputy leaders.

Dr Abela had not been expected to attend since he is not a party delegate.

In the morning Mr Muscat paid a courtesy call on former MLP leader Dom Mintoff at his Tarxien residence.

The delegates are voting to elect new deputy leaders for parliamentary and party affairs. Three candidates are vying for the former - Carmelo Abela, Chris Cardona and Anglu Farrugia, while Toni Abela, Clyde Joe Cassar, Gavin Gulia and Joe Mifsud are contesting the post of deputy leader for party affairs.

In short comments before the voting started, Joe Falzon, chairman of the MLP election commission, thanked Charles Mangion and Michael Falzon for their service as deputy leaders.

Dr Muscat then greeted all the candidates and Dr Abela, who he took up the stage to acknowledge applause

The voting was opened by the candidates themselves.

Results are expected after midnight.

A second round will be held tomorrow if no candidate gains an absolute majority.