1974 : from constitutional monarchy to republic

Abstract

The way in which Independence was achieved for Malta in 1964 was the result of a masterpiece of political manoeuvre. Prime Minister Borg Olivier was in earnest, but had to be engaged in political contests on at least three fronts: that with the British Government, that with the Labour Opposition and that with the Opposition offered by the three other non-Labour parties represented in Parliament. On the content and structure of the Independence constitution he had to produce a draft document acceptable to the United Kingdom Government, because the Independence Act would have to emanate from there, and acceptable also to the three minor parties, who would be expected to add their votes for the approval of the Statute by our Parliament. The Labour Opposition had to be utilised as the component of the Maltese electorate that could seal the question as to whether Independence should happen immediately, but if the famous six points which contained their objections were to be received, that would lose the consent of the three other parties, and a substantial part of the Nationalist Electorate.