Opposition leader Alfred Sant yesterday claimed the Labour Party's EU "partnership" option had actually emerged victorious from the referendum and he insisted the prime minister should call a general election immediately.
Addressing a press conference, Dr Sant poured cold water on the yes camp's victory (53 per cent of valid votes cast in the referendum) saying the yes votes only amounted to 48 per cent of the total number of registered voters.
Pointing out that the MLP had instructed supporters to invalidate their ballot, vote no or stay at home, Dr Sant said the government had "morally, constitutionally and politically" lost.
In a show of force, the Labour Party yesterday also held an impromptu "mass meeting" at Marsa, shortly after it was evident way the result was swaying.
In his press conference, Dr Sant said the absolute majority of the people had not voted in favour of accession and the European Commission should take heed.
"The result is a big warning light for the government," he said.
The yes vote was only of 48 per cent despite the government's "brainwashing campaign" aided by the media and the European Commission, he said.
He claimed the government had taken "great liberties with democracy" and that his party would resist it.
Dr Sant said the referendum was a tool used by Dr Fenech Adami in a futile attempt to save his drowning party.
He insisted it would be a general election which would decide the EU issue.
Dr Sant did not give direct answers to a number of questions asked by journalists.
He did not say why he was claiming victory in a referendum which he had always described as being bogus or whether he intended to ignore the people's will in the referendum if he were elected prime minister in the coming election.
Neither did he say whether he intended to claim as MLP votes those who chose to stay at home or invalidate their vote on election day.
Historian Joe Pirotta and EU Ambassador Ronald Gallimore were among those who came under a scathing attack by the Labour leader for expressing their views on Malta's EU bid.
Speaking at the Marsa meeting earlier, Dr Sant also attacked Public Broadcasting Services and the English language newspapers, which he equated with Pravda at the height of the Communist Soviet Union.
He told thousands of enthusiastic supporters he was looking forward to a resounding victory in the general election.
Realising that supporters of both camps were out on the streets celebrating, Dr Sant told those present to celebrate and have fun but to be prudent.