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Labour wins with 21,721-vote advantage, PN secures Gozo majority but loses on seats
Labour secures fourth consecutive victory • Majority of seats in Gozo won by PL
31 May 2026, 6:24am
Matthew Farrugia
Matthew Farrugia
3 min read
Robert Abela addressed supporters from the balcony at PL HQ (Photo: PL)
The Labour Party secured a historic fourth general election victory on Sunday winning 51.8% of the vote and a majority of 21,721 votes.
The Nationalist Party received the support of 44.7% of the electorate, while third parties collectively obtained 3.5%.
The official turnout at 87.4% was almost two points higher than 2022. The increase was registered across all districts, with the highest participation in the 7 District and the lowest in the 12 District.
Labour’s election campaign was based on stability, highlighting its credibility and the experienced team of ministers ready to lead in turbulent times. On a number of occasions during the campaign, Abela drew comparisons between the PL’s team of ministers, mentioning by name people like Clyde Caruana, Miriam Dalli, Jonathan Attard and Ian Borg, and the PN’s lack of experience, embodied by its young leader Alex Borg.
On the other hand, the PN campaign emphasised the need for change, centred around the youthfulness of its leader Alex Borg. The PN projected a positive message, straying away from mudslinging and claims of corruption. Borg emphasised continuity of Labour’s good but promised change on issues it had failed to address.
‘We wrote history’ – Robert Abela
Addressing journalists at the Naxxar Counting Hall on Sunday morning, Prime Minister Robert Abela described the election victory as a win for all Malta and Gozo.
“Thank you for the trust. We wrote history together,” Abela said later on Facebook.
“We will go on to implement the electoral programme,” he added, as he called for national unity to prevail and urged supporters to celebrate with respect.
Despite securing a comfortable lead, Labour saw its 2022 majority slashed in half. Questioned on this, Abela simply replied: “It is still bigger than any Nationalist victory.”
He also congratulated Alex Borg for conducting a positive campaign, saying that the same spirit must continue going forward.
At the PL’s headquarters in Ħamrun later on Sunday, Abela told a jubilant crowd the victory was attributable to them.
“This win is yours, because our manifesto was written by you,” he said. Keeping with tradition, Abela addressed the crowd from the building’s balcony, praising the sense of unity he said had been fostered by the PL’s positive campaign and insisting that this national pride must continue every day.
“Let’s roll up our sleeves. We are going to work even harder for you,” he said.
Alex Borg strikes hopeful tone
Later on Sunday, Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg also visited the Naxxar Counting Hall, striking a hopeful tone despite the defeat.
“In four years, the gap has been cut by more than half,” he told reporters. “This shows clearly why the prime minister may have called the election a year early. Hope has not weakened; hope has grown stronger.”
Asked whether he would seek re-election as party leader or step down following the loss, Borg said he would follow the process set out in the party’s statute.
“Everyone wants to win, but we respect the democratic process, that is part of the normality of democracy in our country,” he said. “I am looking ahead to continue working harder than ever before.”
Borg said his focus now would be holding the government to account on the commitments it made during the campaign.
“We will keep the government in check and ensure that its promises do not remain on paper,” he said. “I have always said, I will not wait for the Nationalist Party to be in government to work for the good of the Maltese and Gozitan people.”
He said the party intended to be an effective opposition but a clear alternative vision for the country, offering concrete proposals for the future.
Robert Abela will be sworn in as prime minister today at the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta at around 11am.
Matthew Farrugia is a journalist at MaltaToday
He was the joint-winner (2025) as upcoming...
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The final results
At the end of a long day, the official results are finally in.
The Labour Party secured 51.77% of the votes cast in this election, while the Nationalist Party captured 44.68% of the vote.
In numerical terms, this means the PL got 158,444 votes compared to the PN's 136,723, as the gap between the two parties stands at 21,721 votes.
This translates to 36 seats in parliament for the PL and 31 for the PN.
When it comes to small parties, Momentum secured 4,700 votes, ADPD got 3,996 votes, Aħwa Maltin got 1,845 votes, and Imperium Europa ended up with just 167 votes.
MaltaToday special edition out on Monday
If you thought our election coverage was going to end today, you are mistaken.
On Monday, MaltaToday will release a special newspaper edition containing analyses, photos from celebrations, and information about elected candidates.
Catch tomorrow's issue and stay tuned to MaltaToday.
Woman fighting for her life after flare incident
A 43-year-old woman is in critical condition after an accident involving flares.
Police say that at around noon, they were informed of an incident in Triq il-Kbira San Ġużepp, Santa Venera.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the woman, who lives in Birkirkara, as well as a 12-year-old boy, suffered injuries while they were in a vehicle.
The boy was grievously injured.
The pair were aided by a medical team before being taken to Mater Dei Hospital, where the woman was certified as having sustained life-threatening injuries.
Police investigations are still ongoing.
Cassola secures more than 700 first-count votes from one district
We now have some results of some of the Momentum candidates' performances.
Arnold Cassola secured 1,517 first-count votes, as he got 722 votes from the 9 District and 795 votes from the 10 District. This is the first time Cassola secured more than 700 votes from one district.
Meanwhile, Momentum's Secretary General, Mark Camilleri Gambin, secured 440 votes from the 3 District and 539 from the 11 District.
Frank Anthony Tabone and Janice Abela Chetcuti elected through proportionality mechanism
The Labour Party elected 36 MPs against the Nationalist Party's 29. Based on the proportionality mechanism, the PN was awarded two extra seats that went to Frank Anthony Tabone and Janice Abela Chetcuti. The final tally of seats after the election is 36 for the PL and 31 for the PN.
When it comes to votes, it's a north-south split
We've compiled the majority of votes (not seats) secured by the PL and PN to create this graph, and Malta's traditional north-south split could not be clearer.
Alex Borg candidate with most votes
Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg was the candidate with most votes across all parties, securing 9,614 first-count votes on the 12 district, and 12,211 first-count votes on the 13 district.
Party officials say PN won Gozo by just 144 votes
We've heard from party officials that the PN won the majority of votes in Gozo by just 144 votes.
The full list of elected candidates from the 13 District are Alex Borg and Beppe Galea from the PN, as well as Clint Camilleri, Anton Refalo, and Jo Etienne Abela from the PL.
Chris Fearne elected from two districts
Former deputy prime minister Chris Fearne has been elected from two districts. During the election campaign, Fearne opened up about the hardship he and his family faced ever since he was charged over his alleged involvement in the fraudulent Vitals concession.
Newcomer Beppe Galea elected from Gozo district
Carmelo Abela secures seat in parliament
Final vote gap stands at 21,721 votes
According to party officials from both the Labour Party and the Nationalist Party the vote gap between two parties stands at 21,721 votes.
Mass meeting kicks off in Floriana
Ministers re-elected
We've confirmed that three ministers have been re-elected.
Julia Farrugia has been elected from the 7 District, Miriam Dalli has won a seat from the 11 District, and Chris Bonett was elected from the 3 District.
6 District winners announced
We now have the names of the elected candidates from the 6 District.
The PL have elected Silvio Schembri and Rosianne Cutajar, and Ian Borg while PN candidates Jerome Caruana Cilia, and newcomer Julian Borg have won a seat in parliament.
PL wins majority of seats, votes in Gozo
The Labour Party has won the majority of seats in the 13 District.
This could indicate that many Gozo-registered voters gave their first preference vote to Alex Borg, who secured the most votes in the district, the same voters continued to vote for PL candidates.
The PL's Clint Camilleri, Anton Refalo, and Jo Etienne Abela have been elected once again.
The final results of the counting process also suggest that earlier projections showing the PN winning back Gozo have now been reversed, as the PL kept its majority on the island.
Byron Camilleri elected from 4 District
Byron Camilleri has been elected from the 4 District.
Five candidates elected in 8 District
We can also officially announce that five candidates have been elected from the 8 District, with the PN electing three candidates and the PL electing two.
The candidates elected on this district are Clyde Caruana and newcomer John Grech for the PL, and incumbents Adrian Delia, Beppe Fenech Adami, and Justin Schembri for the PN.
PN elects two seats in 4 District
It has been confirmed that the PN elected two MPs from the 4 District for the first time since 2008.
The PN MPs elected from this district are Mark Anthony Sammut and Michael Piccinino
PL supporters flock to Fosos
We've sent our photographer Daniel Tihn to Floriana's Fosos ahead of the celebratory mass meeting expected to kick off at 6:30pm to get a feel of the atmosphere. We're glad to say he didn't disappoint.
Sarah Bajada thanks all those who welcomed her and Alex Borg throughout campaign
Alex Borg's partner, Sarah Bajada tells supporters that their work was not for nothing, as she thanked them through a video message published on Facebook.
"Your support means much more than you may think," she says, adding that Alex and herself never tried to be something that they aren't.
PL President celebrates birthday amid election celebrations
In what must be a very special birthday, PL President Alex Sciberras is celebrating his 44th birthday.
Sandra Gauci's first comments after the election
Alex Borg fields media questions at the Naxxar Counting Hall
Keith Azzopardi Tanti elected
The PL's Keith Azzopardi Tanti has secured enough first count votes to be elected.
'This is your win,' Abela tells supporters
Addressing supporters in Ħamrun, Prime Minister Robert Abela thanked those who supported and worked for the Labour Party over the past month.
"This is your win because the manifesto was written by the people. The manifesto 'Int Malta' was the product of work with you," he said.
"From tomorrow, we start working together to translate this strong mandate into work for the country."
He described the campaign as a positive one which sought to take Malta to the next step.
Celebratory mass meeting slated for Fosos
Prime Minister Robert Abela announced a mass meeting at 6:30pm on Sunday.
Metsola thanks Borg
In a short post on Facebook, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola thanked PN Leader Alex Borg for his determination and energy.
Small parties projected to scoop up 10,500 votes
It is being projected that small parties collected around 10,500 votes between them, but there is no indication of which party benefitted the most from this and how the votes are broken down between them.
Robert Abela arrives at PL HQ
A few minutes ago, Robert Abela was greeted by supporters and employees at the PL's HQ in Ħamrun, where he is expected to address supporters gathered in front of the building. Our journalist Eva Brannon will be providing a report of Abela's first speech since his victory.
Alex Borg arrives at Naxxar Counting Hall
Opposition Leader Alex Borg is touring the counting hall, where he greeted the press, party agents, and supporters.
Inside, he was greeted by loud banging on the perspex and people chanting his name.
Speaking to the media inside the counting hall, Borg said that the PN increased its number of votes in almost all districts across Malta.
A snapshot of which candidates are ahead
Although the results can change at any moment due to voting inheritance, this is a snapshot of how the candidates are doing so far.
Labour section in Naxxar Counting Hall briefly evacuated
There was a moment of panic at the Naxxar Counting Hall as people were told to evacuate the PL quarters in the building. A fire truck was driven to one of the entries of the counting hall.
It seems that a gas cylinder caught on fire but the situation has now been controlled and everyone is returning to their place. Our cameraman Daniel Tihn managed to snap this iconic photo.
PN projected to win second seat in 3 District
The Nationalist Party is projected to win a second seat in 4 District, which would mark the first time the PN achieved this since 2008.
Mark Anthony Sammut has also been confirmed as the first elected candidate in the district so far, as he has surpassed the required quota.
Clyde Caruana's calculator found
It seems that Clyde Caruana's famous calculator was found on the floor at the Naxxar Counting Hall.
Robert Abela gives comments to the media
Which candidates are ahead?
As vote-counting soon enters its fifth hour, we are getting the early indications of candidates' results.
In the 10 District, PN candidate Conrad Borg Manche, who was once a PL mayor, seems to be in the lead, ahead of Joe Giglio and Mark Anthony Sammut. From the PL's side, Michael Falzon is in the lead, as he is trailed by Clifton Grima.
In 6 District, the PN's Jerome Caruana Cilia is in the lead, followed by Ian Borg, Silvio Schembri, and Rosianne Cutajar.
In 3 District Chris Fearne is leading, as he is followed by the PN's Stephen Spiteri.
All present results are only indications however, as candidates can shoot up in the race when votes are inherited.
Supporters multiply in Ħamrun
Our journalist Jade Bezzina sent us some new photos of the scenes in Ħamrun.
Robert Abela arrives at counting hall
Prime Minister Robert Abela has just arrived at the Naxxar Counting Hall where he was greeted by supporters and party agents with cheers and chants.
Malta Chamber congratulates Labour on election win
The Malta Chamber has congratulated the Labour Party for its election victory, insisting on previous positions calling for a commitment to social dialogue.
"The Malta Chamber is committed to continue working with the government, the Opposition, and all politicians who have the interest of the country at heart," it said.
"The Malta Chamber will continue to do its part in promoting social dialogue and contributing to the country's policy development."
The chamber also said it is committed to continue working in the areas that improve the business landscape, particularly improving quality, excellence, and standards across all areas and sectors.
"A loss is a loss, but the road isn't as long now"
PN candidate Darren Carabott says Sunday's result has a silver lining.
Michael Falzon says election result should humble the PL
'The journey doesn't end here,' Alex Borg says
In a short speech on Facebook, PN Leader Alex Borg says he congratulated Robert Abela for his victory, stressing that despite their differences, Malta will always come first.
Borg thanked voters and all those who participated in the election campaign.
"You should never be embarrassed for wanting change," Borg told supporters, as he noted that despite the result, the 2026 election campaign saw "the rebirth of something beautiful."
Appealing to those who didn't vote for the PN, Borg said that his party will continue listening to them, as he promised to keep working from tomorrow.
Supporters flood Ħamrun streets
Our journalists Eva Brannon and Jade Bezzina are currently at Mile End in Ħamrun, where Jade sent us some photos of the scenes.
They describe the atmosphere as a street party where the sound of car horns are overpowering the music from the speakers.
PN candidate stands by party leader
As the PN confirmed its fourth consecutive loss, PN candidate Rebekah Borg stressed her support for PN Leader Alex Borg.
MaltaToday reports live from the chaotic counting hall
Robert Abela on TVM
In comments to the national broadcaster, Prime Minister Robert Abela described the election result as a win for all Maltese and Gozitans.
He noted that today's result is a historic fourth win, and despite being so, the PL has a comfortable majority.
"We will go on to implement the electoral programme," Abela said, as he called for national unity to prevail and urged supporters to celebrate with respect.
Abela thanked the Maltese public for participating in the election.
Celebrations spread across Malta
In case you haven't heard them yet, celebrations are also spilling into the streets, as supporters slowly make their way to Ħamrun's Mile End for celebrations in front of the PL HQ.
Scenes from the counting hall
The counting hall erupted in celebrations, as party agents chanted, fireworks went off, and candidates were hoisted onto shoulders.
PN secretary general confirms PL win
PN Secretary General has confirmed that the PL has won with a gap that appears to be 18,000 votes.
During the election campaign, MaltaToday's last survey projected an 18,000 gap in Labour's favour.
Celebrations break out in Naxxar Counting Hall
It's official, Labour agents are now celebrating in the Naxxar Counting Hall.
First indications of majority
Latest data collected by both parties indicates a gap of less than 19,000 votes.
Steady sampling all over districts confirms this trend.
Gozo appears to have switched to the PN
We are hearing that Gozo, which was won by the PL in the 2022 election, has switched.
In the previous election, the PL won 53.54% of the vote in Gozo, while the PN collected 43.94% of the vote.
OPM official wants counting agents to stay focused
An OPM official is present in the counting hall and is telling PL agents to stay focused because it is "still too early."
However, the atmosphere is one suggesting a PL victory. The gap between the parties has yet to be ascertained.
MaltaToday is live in the Naxxar Counting Hall
Labour heading for historic fourth victory
Samples collected by party agents from both parties indicate that Labour is heading to its fourth election victory.
PN supporters gather at bar near Dar Ċentrali
Back in Pieta, our journalist Jade Bezzina tells us that PN supporters have met up at a bar right around the corner from PN HQ.
Meanwhile, near PL HQ, music has started playing at bars surrounding the area.
Calm returns to counting hall
Our journalists tell us that party agents are once again calm and relaxed after the earlier incident that erupted over a dubious vote.
We have been told that the altercation started over a seven that wasn't written down properly on the ballot sheet.
More photos from the counting hall
We are receiving more photos from our photographer Daniel Tihn from inside the counting hall, as the atmosphere by the perspex is heating up.
Party agents squabble over dubious vote
It appears that a heated squabble has broken out between party agents in the counting hall near the 3 District area.
Police are trying to intervene amid the shouting and high tension.
All is calm in Naxxar
Inside the counting hall, we're receiving photos of the ongoing counting process.
Our journalists described the atmosphere as calm... for now.
Bars set up in Ħamrun
Meanwhile, our journalist Eva Brannon is in Ħamrun and has spotted bars set up around the PL HQ. The PL has not set up any of its own equipment, but Eva says that people around the HQ are preparing to celebrate.
The counting process explained
Our very own Kurt Sansone explains the counting process from inside the counting hall.
Counting kicks off
The counting process has officially begun.
The Electoral Commission has begun flipping votes as parties' counting agents try to get an indication of the result from behind the perspex.
Numbers, numbers, numbers
Candidates and party officials are very much present in the counting hall as well.
Before counting starts, Clyde Caruana and Adrian Delia posed for this photo holding a calculator, showing everyone that despite clashing on numbers, the pair are still cordial toward each other.
Party agents told to move behind the perspex
Party agents are currently being told to move inside the counting hall behind the perspex and near their respective districts.
Vote counting is expected to start in just under half an hour.
Turbulent times for today's winner
Whoever comes out on top today, they're in for a few headaches once they sit down at Castille.
Our cartoonist, Mikiel Galea illustrated this in Sunday's edition of MaltaToday.
What's the counting hall like?
To give you a better feel of the counting hall before the day turns hectic, MaltaToday's Online Editor Karl Azzopardi shows you around the site.
A good luck charm
Our Executive Editor Kurt Sansone was moving around the counting hall when he stumbled upon a PL good luck charm.
Apparently, this dog photo overlooking party agents is a regular appearance on the day of voting. We will undoubtedly be seeing similar props as time goes by, especially when a winner is announced.
A higher turnout
One number we do know is the election turnout, which registered an increase when compared to the 2022 election.
MaltaToday's Executive Editor Kurt Sansone reports that the highest turnout increases were registered in the 5, 7, 8, and 11 districts. The 5 and 7 districts returned a Labour majority in 2022, while the 8 and 11 districts returned a PN majority.
A busy day ahead
Hello and welcome to MaltaToday's 2026 election liveblog.
We are currently in the Naxxar Counting Hall at the start of a very busy day.
Stay tuned to this liveblog for updates throughout the day.