Gonzi is still eyeing early 2013 election

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi is still eyeing an election early in 2013, according to PN sources, despite the persistent internal strife caused by rebel MP Franco Debono. September marks the beginning of the last six months of this legislature, prompting fresh speculation about when the election will be held. On Sunday, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi seemed to fuel speculation when he said it was “time for the electorate to reflect on its future, since important decisions are drawing ever closer”. “Realistically, there are only two options left: November or March,” one Nationalist MP told The Times, adding that October was too early to go to the polls and the holiday season between December and January would be avoided not to disrupt the festive season. The Government can complete a full-term unless it loses the Budget vote or if it loses a vote of confidence in Parliament, which reconvenes on October 1. However, failure to sanction the Budget in Parliament would still give the government a three-month period (after the anticipated vote in November) to call the election. The Opposition, Dr Debono or independent MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando have so far not given an indication that...