Celebrations have broken out at Naxxar counting centre with Labour supporters marking the party's fourth European Parliament seat.

Following Nationalist candidate Mathese Portelli's elimination, 3,815 of her votes went to David Casa, 2,663 to Roberta Metsola Tedesco Triccas and 1,029 to Vince Farrugia. A substantial number of her votes - 580, were non-transferable, while 160 were passed on to Labour candidates.

That the fourth seat was going to Labour became clearer earlier today as PN candidates were eliminated and most of the inherited votes went to David Casa and not Dr Metsola Tedesco Triccas. Mr Casa is certain to be elected but his colleague's chances are now practically nil.

The Labour supporters at Naxxar counting centre are singing Viva L-Labour, Viva L-Labour while congratulating each other.

It is not clear who will win Labour's fourth seat, or, indeed, the third. Louis Grech and Edward Scicluna are expected to win the first two seats, with the contest for the other two being between Joseph Cuschieri, Marlene Mizzi and John Attard Montalto.

PL Deputy Leader Toni Abela said the arithmetic of democracies was what it was. The PL had its indications but he preferred to wait until everything was decided.

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