David's Diary: Sunday, April 13, 2003

Maltese Elections

The Maltese are passionate about their elections. In federal elections, voter turnout exceeds 97%. By comparison, voter turnout in federal elections in Canada is 50-60%. The Maltese don't agree in their voting, with elections being very close between the Labour and National Parties. The National Party was voted back into power yesterday, affirming the vote for Malta to join the European Union in one year's time. While Malta held a separate referendum on joining the Euro zone earlier in the year, the result was so close that many people felt that this election was needed to reaffirm the referendum result.

National Celebration

The day after an election is a holiday and the Maltese turn out to celebrate. Whether their party won or not, people drive around, honking horns, waving flags, and playing music. The mood is contagious and we felt like celebrating along with the Maltese, especially when huge trucks drove buy with people dancing to the loud music provided by giant speakers. There were also rallies for each party where thousands of people turn out. Being a small island country of 400,000 people must be part of the reason that the Maltese take voting and celebrating to such levels.