John Culatto
TOMORROW Gibraltar goes to the polls to elect a new government in the same week as the chaotic Brexit scenario in the UK.
Latest opinion polls suggest that the GSLP/Liberals will keep themselves in government for another four years.
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It follows an intensive week of campaigning by the coalition which has worked hard on explaining much of its manifesto.
While new party Together Gibraltar has showed itself to be a bit green in the tooth, the GSD has 11th hour change in policy.
The acting Opposition made a U-turn on the tax treaty, which it now wants to include as part of the EU Withdrawal Agreement.
It came as Damon Bossino confirmed he wanted to replace Keith Azopardi as leader of the party only days before the final vote.
Chaos
The Gibraltar Social Democrats have been in real turmoil ever since charismatic leader Sir Peter Caruana left the party after losing to Fabian Picardo in 2011.
This latest twist to the tale only days before a general election could further weaken the party’s position in the minds of the electorate.
It comes as the GSD took the absurd position not to update Gibraltar’s law on abortion which is currently punishable by life imprisonment.
Despite all this, both daily newspapers on the Rock have forecast that the party will pip Together Gibraltar to the Opposition seats in parliament.
Considering it is a new party coming to elections in a volatile Brexit environment, TG have done well to bring a fresh perspective to the table.
Marlene Hassan Nahon’s attempt to bring new ideas to the equation is a tough proposition though, as Gibraltar has very little leeway economically.
The independent MP could still cause a shock and steal some of the GSD Opposition seats, so it could be a tight one all the way to the final whistle.
Endgame
Of course, Brexit will be the main concern for voters and as acting Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo has confirmed why his party is in the driving seat.
“Brexit could be as soon as 14 days after the general election,” said Picardo.
“This is not a time to change the political leadership of this nation, the same way as you wouldn’t change the generals in charge of your battalions at the end game in any battle.
“This is a serious time in our history. It’s a serious time for serious people.
“This is not a time to be experimenting, or to be thinking about what you might like or not like in any other election.
“This is about keeping Gibraltar safe and secure.”
Look out for more exclusive coverage of the election throughout tomorrow as our faithful reporters bring you all the news from the frontline.
