[WATCH] Leaders vote as long queues reported around several polling stations

Voting at polling stations started early this morning, with Opposition leader Joseph Muscat being the first of the three political leaders to cast his vote.

Accompanied by his wife Michelle, Muscat voted at 9am in Burmarrad. Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and his wife Kate voted at 10am in Marsaskala followed by the President of the Republic George Abela and his Margaret.

Alternattiva Demokratika chairperson Michael Briguglio voted at 10am in Sliema.

Polling stations opened at 7am and will close at 10pm this evening. The voting will continue uninterrupted during the day. Long queues have been reported at several polling stations, including in Qormi, Zejtun and Zabbar.

6,523 voting documents remained uncollected while 326,296 are eligible to vote for the 269 candidates. 29,000 voters will be voting for the first time. Last Saturday, around 2,000 Maltese who live abroad came to Malta to vote.

Patients in hospitals and around 4,800 assistant electoral commissioners voted yesterday.