Historic landslide

Labour swept to a historic victory at the polls yesterday, while the governing Nationalist Party retreated to its smallest share since 1962. The PL polled 55.1 per cent of the votes against PN’s 41.1 per cent, according to unofficial projections, indicating a gap of around 37,000 votes – the biggest lead since the elections of 1947 and 1955. The result is expected to give Labour a parliamentary majority of nine seats. AD won 1.8 per cent, or 5,750 votes, their best ever result but still not enough to give them a seat. Minutes after the first batch of 50 votes from each district started being counted at 11am, there was a clear indication Labour would win comfortably, though the margin took many by surprise. Speaking shortly after the result was announced, Prime Minister-elect Joseph Muscat said he was humbled by it and promised Labour would be an inclusive government. “We campaigned as a movement, we were elected as a movement, and we have to govern the country as a movement. The mandate is clear, it’s a humbling result but Malta is not for election winners – it is for all,” Dr Muscat said. PN leader Lawrence Gonzi conceded through a telephone call to Dr Muscat moments before the...