Gonzi cedes 9th district spot to Busuttil
Nationalist Party star candidate Simon Busuttil will be contesting the upcoming election in the 9th district, replacing Prime Minister and Party Leader Lawrence Gonzi
Star PN candidate Simon Busuttil will reportedly not only be contesting in the 11th district (Mosta, Balzan and Attard), but also the 9th district, composed of the localities of Madliena, San Gwann, and Msida. The 9th district was contested by Lawrence Gonzi in 2008.
These districts, despite considered to be Nationalist-leaning, nevertheless currently feature a high proportion of disgruntled voters.
The Sunday Times reports that it is however not known which other districts Gonzi will contest in, aside from Cottonera.
The paper quotes party sources as saying "Everyone knows that Dr Busuttil's popularity and the party decided to field him in a district which might prove to be crucial for the PN to win the next general election."
The report also notes that the PN has been attempting to counter internal party polls which indicate that mobilising its core vote, deeply disgruntled in recent months as the PN's credibility was rocked by one incident after another.
By mobilising Busuttil in those districts which have been most alienated by the PN, the party is hoping to bring back its wayward sheep, and narrow the generous lead that the PL currently enjoys.