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An independent analysis of last week’s local election results can only lead to one conclusion: the Nationalist Party suffered a defeat. This result is a wake-up call and a reality check so long as the party and its senior officials have the humility to do and be seen to be doing something about the message sent by the local electorate. Concrete action is called for. Understandably, an objective analysis must give credence to the facts that this was a local election, that the voter turnout was lower than usual. It is also true that local councils have become synonymous with the unpopular wardens but this has no bearing on the final result.
The writing is clearly on the wall. There is a trend against the Nationalist Party following the last three local election results. Being in denial, or more worryingly non-repentant, is a recipe for disaster. As de Gaulle was wont to say, “all politics is local”. The danger lies in the affirmation that the party has taken the message, talks the talk but fails to walk the walk.
Any political autopsy will reveal that the political campaign, or worse, in certain areas lack of one, was ill thought out. Focusing on the central message “for a better life” when no one is feeling his lifestyle is getting better was out of synch with the public mood. In short, there was a failure to get the core vote out, a winning formula in any campaign. Whether the persons who decided to remain at home will flock to vote Nationalist at a general election is debatable. The Nationalist Party is best advised to assume nothing.
The central flaw may well be the lack of engagement by a section of the Nationalist vote, most especially its middle class supporter to feel engaged with the party or government. This detachment and a lack of engagement augurs badly for the electoral revival prospects of the party.
If the conclusions of an internal European results analysis are true that the last election was only won by the Nationalist Party because of Europe, then it is difficult to imagine what will be the winning issue next time round. It may take much more than simply demonising Alfred Sant, who remains in the view of the PN their strongest electoral asset, to win the next election.
The Prime Minister needs to implement with immediate effect an action plan. He must reshuffle his cabinet and bring back capable hands back in the main stream; he also needs to shake up the party administration team.
He must revisit the Qui-Si-Sana and Ta’ Cenc development projects, and give the Marsaskala people a written guarantee on the maximum amount of waste to be recycled at Sant Antnin. None of these projects are cast in stone. The local results point towards a sense of discontentment in their regard by the residents. He must reengage with former party members like Josie Muscat.
What the government must not do at any cost is put an end to its reforms project. All restructuring must carry on at the same pace albeit with greater sensitivity and care backed with an information strategy, which explains government’s goals targets and the very reasons for the reforms-ultimately for us all to enjoy a better standard of living. The reforms are the only way to make our country competitive. The painful process of reducing the budget must carry on in earnest. This saves interest payments due on the national debt, allowing money to be invested elsewhere. Placing our economy on a stronger footing is the best way to achieve growth and to guarantee employment.
There is little doubt that the advent of European funds together with the local economy being on a stronger footing come election time creates opportunities for the Nationalist Party. On the other hand, the party will be burdened by 20 years in government with accusations that its lasting date has expired.
Whatever the interpretation given to the result, any political party that wishes to win back its lost electorate simply cannot afford to ignore it.
Drastic and quick action is called for. The writing is on the wall.
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