News • 09 FEBRUARY 2003

Cilia withdrawal – good news for newcomer Alfred Mifsud

By Matthew Vella

Notary Joe Cilia’s decision not to contest the upcoming general elections has left ample room for Labour heavyweight and newcomer Alfred Mifsud.

Mifsud is now expected to scoop many of what would have been Cilia’s votes from the fourth district as he prepares for the final lap into Parliament.

Cilia’s departure from the contest could ease the pressure for Labour candidates contesting the seventh district, where Alfred Mifsud, who has his roots in Zebbug, is also contesting.

Despite his strong connections with Zebbug, Mifsud’s decision to contest the fourth district was directly linked to journalist Joe Mifsud relinquishing his candidature.

In 1998 the popular journalist won 1,100 votes, but this time around Joe is openly canvassing for Alfred, Mifsud. Now, with Joe Cilia’s departure, the floodgates are expected to open for Alfred Mifsud.

Other fourth district candidates who did not make it at the hustings in 1998 and will not be contesting this year include Simone Cini, who won more than 900 votes, and Massimo Ellul, with over 700.

Massimo Ellul had strong ties with Marsa and given Joe Mifsud’s affinity to the locality – he is also the regatta club’s president – the influential journalist is hoping Ellul’s votes will also go to Alfred Mifsud.

Intra-party tussling is quiet common within districts, and this year, Alfred Mifsud faces incumbents Karl Chircop and Silvio Parnis. Since the fourth district usually elects three Labour MPs, Mifsud’s popularity should not threaten Chircop and Parnis on their turf.

A successful career as Mid-Med Bank Chairman and being head of Labour Party media have assured Alfred Mifsud’s popularity, especially because he thought to be favoured by Labour Leader Alfred Sant.

With a very strong campaign in both the districts he is contesting, Mifsud’s chances of a parliamentary seat, or two look very likely.

In the seventh district, which also comprises Siggiewi, Attard and Dingli, Cilia’s withdrawal means Mifsud is in direct competition with incumbents Charles Buhagiar and Dr Gavin Gulia.

The closely fought battle in the 1998 elections makes it hard to predict the winners and losers in that district.

Last time around, Dr John Attard Montalto’s election in the sixth district enabled Dr Gulia to retain his seat. Gulia was returned to Parliament via a by-election in both 1996 and 1998 while Attard Montalto will not be contesting the seventh district this year.

It is Charles Buhagiar who will have to fight hard for his seat after failing to get elected in the twelfth district in 1998. With Alfred Mifsud in the race, Buhagiar could be struggling as the seventh district is likely to be his only viable route to re-election.