Electoral politics in Malta : 1921-1932

Abstract

Inter-War electoral politics were very intricate and exciting and at times, also completely exasperating. The tenable Maltese economic position after the war, coupled with the Maltese aspirations for internal autonomy gave rise to the 1921 Constitution. With this constitution both legislative and executive powers passed on to the elected members, who were elected by popular elections. This gave way to modem electoral politics whose mam issue was the infamous language question. The Nationalists boasted the 'italianita' of the culture of Malta; the Constitutional Party promised progress through the use of the English language; and the Labour Party showed the need of a reform in the socio-economic aspect of the state. This thesis gives a brief account of what electoral politics were like in those days. My primary source of information for electoral propaganda were the newspapers. Since newspapers were the main medium of propaganda at that time, I looked up a multitude of editions in order to get a proper picture of the political scene during election time. When it comes to the second part of my thesis, devoted mainly to legislation, I consulted the Malta Government Gazette. The Legislative Assembly Debates have also been of significant help.