Party identification in Malta

Abstract

This research assesses the strength and stability of party identification in Malta. For over half a century this concept has been subject to debate and following various critiques it has been reconceptualised by various scholars. In simple terms, party identification should provide a judgement of the factors which attracts individuals to and repels them from political parties. Imported into Europe the concept was welcomed with mixed feelings as early scholars doubted its relevance. The importance of this study is twofold. From a research perspective it is the first attempt to provide systemic empirical data on party identification in Malta; from a broader perceptive as democracies grow more mature party identification is a prerequisite for the well-functioning of a democracy rather than a hindrance to it. Partisanship assists citizens to position themselves in the political world; encourages people to vote and stimulates political participation in general. The fact that party identification studies are not available creates a gap in political studies which also hinders the potential of future research.