Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/823773
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 14 MAY 2017 News 13 District by district analysis DISTRICT 9 (Gharghur, San Gwann, Msida, Swieqi, Ta' Xbiex) 2003: 2 PL, 3 PN 2008: 2 PL, 3 PN 2013: 2 PL, 3 PN OUTGOING: PL: Manuel Mallia, Clifton Grima (CE) PN: George Pullicino, Kristy Debono (CE), Marthese Por- telli (CE) Four years ago the ninth dis- trict was a tightly fought affair as Labour closed in on the PN in what is normally a safe PN district. However, the PN is expected to increase its tally in the district and despite the absence of leader Simon Bu- suttil from the ballot sheet its three seats are secure. Veter- ans George Pullicino, Robert Arrigo and Francis Zammit Dimech will have to see off the stiff challenge by outgoing MPs Kristy Debono, Marthese Portelli and newcomer Albert Buttigieg. However, the casual elections will also provide candidates a second opportunity. In the Labour camp some 2,000 votes are freed up after Leo Brin- cat's promotion to the European Court of Auditors. Manuel Mal- lia, former deputy leader Michael Falzon and outgoing MP Clifton Grima are the frontrunners while tourism minister Edward Zammit Lewis also stands a good chance. DISTRICT 10 (Sliema, Gzira, parts of Naxxar, Bahar ic-Caghaq, Pembroke, St Julian's) 2003: 1 PL, 4 PN 2008: 2 PL, 3 PN 2013: 2 PL, 3 PN OUTGOING: PL: Evarist Bartolo, Michael Falzon (CE) PN: Robert Arrigo, Francis Zammit Dimech, Karl Gouder (CE) In 2013, the PN saw its share of votes down by some six points but this time around it is hopeful of increasing its votes, especially following the backing lent by former Green Party leader and long-time Sliema councillor Mi- chael Briguglio. PD leader Mar- lene Farrugia is most likely to benefit from this as she could at- tract disgruntled Labour voters, Green voters and switchers. However, Robert Arrigo, George Pullicino and Francis Zammit Dimech remain popular figures among the party's rank and file and are favourites to retain their seat. Karl Gouder's best chance of retaining a seat is a casual elec- tion. Evarist Bartolo and Manuel Mallia are the frontrunners for Labour's two seats while Michael Falzon's best chance remains a casual election. DISTRICT 11 (Mdina, Attard, Mosta, Burmarrad) 2003: 2 PL, 3 PN 2008: 2 PL, 3 PN 2013: 2 PL, 3 PN OUTGOING: PL: Anthony Agius Decelis, Louis Grech PN: Simon Busuttil, David Agi- us, Charlo Bonnici (CE) A traditionally safe PN dis- trict which will most likely see PN leader Simon Busuttil in- crease his 2013 tally, when he had earned 7,700 votes. Nota- ble absentees include Joe Cassar who resigned after MaltaToday revealed that he received gifts from a businessman while in government and Michael Gonzi – brother of former PN leader Lawrence. The other two PN seats are likely to go to David Agius and Edwin Vassallo. Labour's list will be missing the names of Charles Buhagiar and Louis Grech and the two seats will go to deputy leader Chris Cardona, minister Michael Far- rugia or junior minister Deborah Schembri. DISTRICT 12 (Mellieha, parts of Naxxar, St Paul's Bay) 2003: 2 PL, 3 PN 2008: 2 PL, 3 PN 2013: 2 PL, 3 PN OUTGOING PL: Michael Farrugia, Deborah Schembri PN: Michael Gonzi, Robert Cuta- jar, Censu Galea (CE) Another traditional PN strong- hold and another district which should see Simon Busuttil sweep most of the votes, including those of Michael Gonzi. Veteran PN MP Censu Galea's decision not to run in the district could favour his daughter, St Paul's Bay mayor Graziella Galea, while other can- didates in with a shout include outgoing MPs Claudette Buttigieg and Robert Cutajar and Naxxar mayor Maria Deguara. Maverick TV presenter Salvu Mallia and ra- dio host David Thake could hold a wildcard. Education minister Evarist Bar- tolo's seat is safe and the second Labour seat could go to Deborah Schembri, Michael Farrugia or Gozitan ophthalmologist Fran- co Mercieca – who doubled his chances of getting elected by con- testing in Malta. DISTRICT 13 (Gozo) 2003: 2 PL, 3 PN 2008: 2 PL, 3 PN 2013: 3 PL, 2 PN OUTGOING PL: Anton Refalo, Franco Mercieca, Justyne Caruana PN: Chris Said, Frederick Azzo- pardi (elected via Constitutional adjustment) Ind: Giovanna Debono In 2013, Gozo saw Labour elect three MPs for the first time ever despite losing the popular vote. This time around, the PN is ex- pecting to elect three MPs and restore its supremacy in Gozo. However, the absence of former Gozo minister Giovanna Debono, whose husband is under investi- gation over an alleged works-for- votes scandal, could see a number of votes switch to current minister Anton Refalo. Former justice min- ister Chris Said is favourite to win the biggest number of votes within the PN's ranks and Frederick Azz- opardi and Censu Galea are ex- pected to win the other two seats if the PN wins a majority of seats. Gozo is most probably Labour's most hotly contested district, es- pecially if it only elects two MPs. While Anton Refalo is anticipated to repeat his 2013 showing, Franco Mercieca or Justyne Caruana is set to miss out. Moreover, popular Qala mayor Clint Camilleri could upset the apple cart. 1 8 9 10 2 3 4 6 5 7 11 12