Malta

The Republic of Malta is a small and densely-populated island nation in southern Europe. It consists of an archipelago in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea directly south of Italy and north of Africa. These strategically-located islands have been ruled and fought over by various powers over the centuries.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Malta

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The unicameral House of Representatives, known in Maltese as Kamra tar-Rappre?entanti is elected by direct universal suffrage through single transferable vote every five years unless the House is dissolved earlier by the President on advice of the Prime Minister. The House of Representatives is made up of 65 MPs. However, where a party manages an absolute majority of votes, but not of seats, that party is given additional seats to ensure a parliamentary majority. The Parliamentary system (as well as public administration) is closely modelled on the system of the British House of Commons.

Related Topics:
Unicameral - Single transferable vote

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The President of the Republic is elected every five years by the House of Representatives.

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The main political parties are the Nationalist Party which is Christian Democrat and the Malta Labour Party which is Social Democrat. There is also a Green Party (Alternattiva Demokratika) and a far right party (Imperium Europa) which, however, have no parliamentary seats. Two other small parties include the Alpha Party, led by Dr. Emmy Bezzina and the Communist Party (which did not participate in the latest elections) led by Tony Vassallo. The Nationalist Party is currently at the helm of the government, the Prime Minister being Dr. Lawrence Gonzi. The Malta Labour Party, under Dr. Alfred Sant, is in opposition.

Related Topics:
Nationalist Party - Christian Democrat - Malta Labour Party - Social Democrat - Green Party - Alternattiva Demokratika - Imperium Europa - Prime Minister - Dr. Lawrence Gonzi - Dr. Alfred Sant

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