Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545122
7 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 29 MAY 2026 NEWS wealthier in assets and less vulnerable to poverty than res- idents on the main island, de- spite historically lower or com- parable cash incomes. Over recent years, however, Gozo has closed the income gap, with regional statistics show- ing that Gozo's average salary (€21,283) surpassed Malta's (€20,969) for the first time. Data also shows that while 81.6% of Maltese residents work in the private sector, on- ly 66% of Gozitan workers are employed in the private sector. This gives the incumbent gov- ernment greater political lev- erage in terms of patronage. Connectivity remains a major issue. With both parties abandon- ing plans for a permanent link between the islands, focus has shifted to maritime connec- tions, including a new fast ferry link between Sliema and Gozo introduced a few weeks ago. Gozo also tends to be more culturally conservative, with 67% of Gozitans rejecting the introduction of divorce in the 2011 referendum. Moreover, 62% voted in favour of spring hunting in the 2015 referen- dum, overturning a narrow anti-hunting majority on the mainland. While mainland Maltese dis- tricts are frequently altered to balance population changes, Gozo is explicitly protected by the Constitution of Malta to ensure it remains a single, un- divided electoral district. This makes longitudinal com- parisons easier. Statistics show a decline in the PN vote from 58.8% in 2003 to 43.9% in 2022, while the PL increased from 40.8% to 53.5% over the same period. Compared to 2017, the PN lost 1,051 votes in 2022, while the PL lost only 266. Turnout has also declined, from 95% in 2003 to 88% in 2022. One major factor shaping the next election in Gozo is the candidacy of PN leader Alex Borg, who is Gozitan. Borg will be flanked by four other candi- dates, none of whom currently serve in parliament. The PN candidates are: Be- ppe Galea, Luke Said, Norma Camilleri, and Frank Anthony Tabone. The PL, meanwhile, is field- ing five candidates: Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela, Planning and Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri, Agriculture Minister Anton Refalo, MP Abigail Camilleri and George Camilleri. Momentum is fielding Car- mel Asciak and ADPD is field- ing Luke Caruana, while Aħwa Maltin will field its leader, Paul Salomone. Year PL PN Others Turnout 2003 40.8% 58.8% 0.4% 95% 2008 42.9% 55.4% 1.7% 92.3% 2013 49.1% 50.1% 0.8% 92% 2017 51.2% 47.9% 0.9% 91.6% 2022 53.5% 43.9% 2.6% 88% Source: Electoral Commission District 13: General election results reshaping Malta's districts internal and external migration are reshaping the country's electoral districts Connectivity remains a major issue. With both parties abandoning plans for a permanent link between the islands, focus has shifted to maritime connections, including a new fast ferry link between Sliema and Gozo introduced a few weeks ago Mgarr harbour, Gozo