Popularity of cross party voting : general elections vs local government elections

Abstract

This research study challenges the Maltese political partisanship at voting stage. It is to establish whether voters remain loyal to their party throughout the whole voting exercise. Analysing the electoral results of both General Elections and the Local Government Elections establishes whether the preferences which follow the first preference will remain within the candidates of the same party or will cross to those of other parties or indipendent candidates. It is to proof whether there are any differences between the northern part and the southern part of Malta, and if the Gozitan voters follow the same pattern. The research follows the results along the years and compares the findings of both elections. The general perception about cross party voting in Malta is that it is not a popular practice. As such a low percentage was expected, but the results are surprising. When comparisons are made the findings and the interpretations of the results are quite remarkable.