Sealing of ballot boxes kicks off at 6am

Chief Electoral Commissioner Joe Church

611 ballot boxes were sealed this morning shortly after 6am ahead of the opening of the polling stations. It is estimated that over 80 polling stations will be open today.

Malta today is invited to vote and elect the six candidates to represent it in the European Parliament. There are 32 candidates from seven parties and alliances contesting this election.

President of the Republic Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Opposition leader Simon Busuttil will be casting their votes at around 9am. Alternattiva Demokratika chairperson will be voting at around midday.

A total of 344,374, including 7,880 EU citizens were eligible to vote. 21,586 voting documents – 6.3% of the total eligible voters – remained uncollected.

Polling stations opened at 7am and voters have up until 10am to cast their vote.

The Electoral Commission that the use of mobile phones or recording equipment is prohibited in the voting booth