Polling stations close amid widespread voter abstension

Polling stations in 35 localities around Malta and Gozo have closed, amid widespread voter abstension in key PN strongholds, Sliema, St. Paul's Bay and St. Julian's.

According to the electoral commission the approximate turnout at 1pm stood at 28%, while unofficial full turnout stood at an 18 year low of 59.2%.

The following are the percentages at 13:00hrs for every locality holding elections today:

Local elections are being held in Birgu, Isla, Qormi, Zebbug, Siggiewi, Attard, Balzan, Birzebbuga, Dingli, Floriana, Gzira, Ghajnsielem, Gharghur, Hamrun, Iklin, Kercem, Kirkop, Luqa, Marsa, Marsaxlokk, Mosta, Munxar, Nadur, Paola, Qala, Safi, St Julians, San Lawrenz, St Paul’s Bay, Sta Lucia, Sliema, Swieqi, Xaghra, Zebbug (Gozo) and Zurrieq. 

In total, 419 candidates are vying for 239 seats available. Labour has fielded 200 candidates, whilst the Nationalist Party fielded 198 and Alternattiva Demokratika has 10 candidates.  The number of independent candidates stands at 11. 

17 out of the 35 outgoing councils had a Labour majority, while another 17 had a PN majority.The addition of the Sliema council means that Labour will start with a 50% majority against the PN's 47%. Had Sliema not been included, the PL would have started with a 53% majority against the PN's 46%.