The historico-legal development of the electoral system in Malta, 1921-2000

Abstract

The electoral process set up by the Constitutions, and by legislation (Acts and Ordinances), underpin the constitutional and political development of Malta and the Maltese under British Rule from 1814 to 1964. Britain took over the sovereignty of Malta and the Maltese in 1814. The latter ceased to be a Crown colony fortress achieving an independent state within the Commonwealth in 1964, as well as the Republican state in 1974. The history of electoral legislation cannot be understood out of the political context. Malta has over the years moved from a multi-party to a two-party system. Historically, a number of smaller parties secured a substantial number of votes and some seats in the legislature. Yet, only the P.N and the M.L.P have been represented for the past 30 years or so. The first vote by secret ballot in connection with election to the Council of Government, took place as early as 1849. The Single Transferable Vote (S.T.V.) has been in continual use since 1921. However, the elected bodies lacked comprehensive powers prior to country's independence. The Malta Independence Constitution of 1964 established the country as a liberal parliamentary democracy. It provides for regular elections based on universal suffrage. Malta today has a unicameral parliament, known as the House of Representatives.