The secret to getting elected? House visits, say six new MPs

Six newcomer MPs Alex Borg, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, Mark Anthony Sammut, Alison Zerafa Civelli, Darren Carabott and Jo Etienne Abela talk about how they managed to get elected, and in some districts, even outshine or replace powerful incumbents. The secret is house visits and remaining close to people, they say.

‘I wish dad was here to help me with my campaign’

Alex Borg – elected on the 13th district for the PN

The 26-year-old Gozitan lawyer, Mr World Malta, waterpolo player and gym enthusiast-turned-politician decided he wanted to contest the election in November 2020 and started knocking on doors from day one.

“House visits made me realise what people really want from politicians – they simply want someone who listens to them,” he said.

“I would sit on their sofa, listen intently without interrupting them, and then explain to them what I stand for and how that might help them live better lives.”

Borg said most of them speak of their suffering, and he himself has had a fair share of it, after his father was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2013.

His father, Tony Borg, served as Fontana mayor and former Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono’s widely acclaimed chief of staff for 15...