There is only one unknown about the upcoming general election in Malta – the margin of the Labour Party victory. For years, successive polls have shown Labour leading comfortably, with the gap over the Nationalist Party remaining wide despite the monumental political scandals that have weighed the country down. Likewise, Robert Abela enjoys a wide lead over Bernard Grech in the trust ratings. The visit of Pope Francis to Malta in early April has fuelled speculation that the election will be called in March, yet Abela keeps his cards to his chest, telling journalists the poll will be called by June. While it is the prime minister’s prerogative to decide the election date, it is becoming more important for the country’s well-being to hold it at the first available opportunity. And there are a number of reasons for this. Electoral campaigns in Malta have historically always led to a business slowdown, with many operators preferring to “wait and see” before taking certain business decisions, market their products and services, or even recruit. Why this is happening even when the electoral outcome is almost a foregone conclusion is anyone’s guess, but speak to most businesses and...