Politics in Malta

The Constitution of Malta provides the framework for public authority, fundamental rights and the rule of law. The President serves as head of state, while the Prime Minister leads the Government and Parliament makes laws. The courts exercise judicial power and review legal disputes within their constitutional role. These institutions have different responsibilities, and public accountability depends on keeping those responsibilities distinct. The House of Representatives is Malta's national legislature. A general election determines its elected composition and therefore affects which party or coalition can form the Government. European Parliament elections select Malta's representatives in the European Parliament. Local Councils deal with matters assigned to local government, while a referendum allows voters to answer a specific question directly. General, European and local elections use the Single Transferable Vote system, which lets voters rank candidates rather than selecting only one candidate. Referenda use a yes-or-no vote. Political participation therefore includes both institutional government and electoral choice. The relevant rules depend on the type of election or referendum, including eligibility, registration, voting documents, polling arrangements and counting. Understanding politics in Malta requires distinguishing national government from European representation, local administration and direct voting on a specific proposal.