Speaker Louis Galea's nomination to the European Court of Auditors has left only two people with a chance of replacing John Dalli in Parliament from a casual election and both are still undecided about whether to contest.

Mr Dalli, Social Policy Minister, is expected to vacate his parliamentary seat later this month when he officially takes up his post as EU Commissioner.

A casual election would have to be held in the sixth district to replace him but Dr Galea's departure means that the only two potential candidates left are Siġġiewi mayor Robert Musumeci and Żebbuġ local councillor Peter Micallef.

Mr Musumeci was still undecided on whether to contest when contacted yesterday. He said he was still "evaluating the matter".

On the other hand, Dr Micallef said he would "probably contest" but would take a "clear stand" closer to the day.

Mr Musumeci would start the casual election with 235 votes, the number inherited by Mr Dalli when Mr Musumeci was eliminated in the general election.

This would give him a head start over Dr Micallef who would start the race with zero votes.

However, the Żebbuġ doctor can be expected to do well since he has a strong constituency in Qormi, Mr Dalli's home town. Dr Micallef would also benefit from his surname, which puts him one notch above Mr Musumeci; given traditional voting patterns, he could be assured of a substantial number of inherited votes from people who simply vote from top to bottom for all candidates of their party.

ksansone@timesofmalta.com