Vote counting at the Naxxar counting hall has resumed after it was briefly halted because of a problem on the formula to be followed for the computation of the portion of Alfred Sant's preference votes allocated to the candidates. 

Candidates will be allocated a portion of the preferences given to them, based on the surplus of votes granted to Dr Sant.

The commission was initially calculating the proportionality on a district basis, but it was then pointed out that districts did not come into play in the European elections and the proportionality therefore had to be calculated nationally. (The protest was not made by the PN, as erroneously reported earlier)

Officials explained that  the commission’s method could have an impact on a small number of votes which could be crucial later during the battle for the allocation of the sixth and final seat.

The commission later agreed to make the calculations on a national basis.

After the Dr Sant's votes were credited, the counting process resumed with the elimination of the candidate who got the least votes, Antoine Galea of Imperium Europa, who got 105.

79 of his votes were inherited by members of his group. Nine votes went to the PN, seven to the PL, four to AD and one to Alleanza Bidla. The rest were non-transferable.

The process will continue with the other unsuccessful candidates.