News • 25 May 2003

Cuschieri’s ‘no comment’ after election disaster

Labour Party President Manwel Cuschieri would not comment on the disastrous showing he had on Thursday in the deputy leadership race when he only managed 66 votes.

Cuschieri said he had no comment to make when asked by MaltaToday for his reaction to the result, and whether it surprised him.

The Party radio darling, who has mustered quite a following of admirers as well as detractors, polled the least number of votes in the contest for deputy leader for party affairs.

On the first night of the contest on Thursday, campaign manager Michael Falzon soared above the pack with 388 votes or 45 per cent of valid votes cast. Evarist Bartolo came in second with 163 votes or 19 per cent.

The contest for deputy leader party affairs was also contested by Joe Debono Grech, who placed third with 139 votes and Alfred Mifsud, who came in fourth with 101 votes.

To the surprise of many, Manwel Cuschieri could only muster 66 votes. Prior to Thursday’s election, party delegates clamouring for change were wary that Cuschieri’s possible election as deputy leader could provoke a split in the party.