Malta began counting votes on Sunday, May 31, 2026, in a general election anticipated to secure a fourth consecutive term for the ruling Labour Party. Prime Minister Robert Abela called the election a year early, citing the need for a strong mandate to protect the island nation from geopolitical crises, despite concerns about overdevelopment and corruption. The economy, which grew 4.0 percent last year, is a central campaign theme, though potential impacts from the Middle East conflict on tourism and inflation are noted. Abela's opponent is Alex Borg of the Nationalist Party, who, if elected, would be Malta's youngest leader. Ballots cast on Saturday were transported to the Counting Hall in Naxxar for the count, with preliminary results expected the same day.