Outdoing each other

I have lived with polls all my adult life, but I am starting to believe that people are becoming so cynical that they are not really telling us what they think or will do.

MaltaToday is publishing its survey today; a scientific poll that takes into consideration multiple variables. It’s all about trying to understand the silent electorate’s psyche and intention but doing so is becoming harder for everyone.

People will largely fall in two broad camps. Those who want to retain the status quo, which translates into keeping Robert Abela as prime minister, and those opting for a fresh face, which means choosing Alex Borg. Now that is not a complicated observation to make, but of one thing I am sure—complacency does not work well for the incumbent.

In this campaign we have seen both parties make generous offerings to the electorate. It was often a farce as the parties tried to outdo each other on who had the biggest handouts. And this apart from the projects that are supposed to create new revenue streams.

But beyond these monetary proposals and infrastructural projects there were statements made by the two main leaders that intrigued me most.

In Robert Abela’s case, I was intrigued by his emphasis and his hand on heart declaration about reaching consensus on the planning laws and the new local plans. I will take those words and see that he puts his money where his mouth is. He said the planning laws would take on board all stakeholders’ points of view. On the local plans he pledged not to widen development zones and ensure unbuilt government land remains so.

In Alex Borg’s case, I was pleased when he said he was sorry for all those who had been hurt by previous Nationalist administrations. That was nice to hear, considering the odium that dominated the Gonzi years and after that. Borg knows all too well which segment of PN enthusiasts spun this web of hate. Nonetheless, he is to be commended for speaking those words.

During the campaign both Abela and Borg have managed to limit the appearance of certain characters. Joseph Muscat appeared on One TV, but I am sure he was not pushed by the campaign team. And in the Nationalist fold, the likes of Jason Azzopardi have been marginalised.

Both parties have been careful not to antagonise sectors of voters and to avoid controversy.

And both sides have avoided accusing each other of abuse of powers or unethical behaviour. 

It is rather surprising really that the parties have managed to rally thousands without resorting to dirty tactics.