The nation is at a crossroads. Not voting is simply not an option. A decision will be made on your behalf anyway, so you might as well vote according to your preference. A time might come when you would wish that you too would have had your say to improve the state of affairs. So vote, and vote well, according to your conscience.
I can fully understand if your “undecidedness” in recent polls is an attempt at covering your real voting intentions, mostly because you are afraid of possible repercussions were you to declare yourself against the current establishment. In that case, it is indeed a sorry situation; that freedom of political affiliation and freedom of speech have been reduced to such fragility in just four years. We can all remember the day when a random student had the freedom to call a minister a “wan*er” on nationwide TV coverage, without fearing retaliation. Whilst encouraging debate and argumentation as the base political persuasive tools (and condemning insults), I ask you: would you feel free to simply voice your disdain as a citizen to the face of a Minister nowadays? Think about that. Would you be able to do that without actually feeling the wrath Joseph Muscat and Co.? If you are in this bracket, be consoled by the fact that you will have your say in the silence of the voting booth, and that will resound louder than any answer in a phone survey.
If you are genuinely still making up your mind, your most-likely reason is disillusionment at the current political class, having been disappointed by both previous administrations. The perception that elections are “a choice between two evils”. If that is your opinion, then simply choose the lesser “evil”... one that hasn’t betrayed you in last couple of years. One that has shown genuine intent at renewal, after a humbling defeat in 2013. One that has committed itself to reform the system from its very core with specific proposals. One that is ready to sacrifice absolute power by being ready to enter into a coalition to keep itself in check.
Your options are pretty clear at this stage:
a) Another five years of Labour government that has been proven to be corrupt to its core; or
b) A fresh, renewed political force led by the PN, which has very few elements from previous PN administrations
It would be a shame not to give the new Forza Nazzjonali a chance to prove itself and its political will to govern ethically. Especially if your other option is Joseph Muscat’s outfit, who has already failed you on its promise to deliver the style of governance you desire. Forza Nazzjonali’s success in this election would also be a warning to all future political forces (including Forza Nazzjonali itself) that the electorate will not sanction corruption and deceit.
Also, I appeal to you to have faith in us, the younger generation of candidates. We need you to give us a chance to revolutionise our political field with fresh ideas, modern beliefs and youthful energy. We are surely not culpable for any past grievances. We too, felt disillusioned by this government, and that is why we decided to do our part to change things.
By now, you certainly know that you, the floater “block”, will sway this election one way or the other. Your undecidedness is not a flaw. It is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary it shows a segment of the population that does not blindly follow party allegiances, but is capable of free, critical analysis and as a result, make sounder choices. I trust that you will wisely choose what is best for you and for your country. I am convinced that you will have the maturity and foresight to choose long-term national prosperity over short-term gain.
But most of all, I hope that future political forces can revitalise your faith in politics as a service of the people. There is no other way for us to work together, move our society forward, and resolve our conflicts, than through politics. Do not lose faith in its power to change things for the better because of the few who used it to enrich their pockets. Believe. Their is still hope. Together, we can re-take back our country.