---
title: "Two Labour MPs Not Contesting Election, New Candidate Announced"
date: 2026-05-03T01:57:52.517+00:00
updated: 2026-05-03T02:01:46.325+00:00
topics: ["Politics", "National"]
canonical: https://filqosor.com/article/2026-05-03/two-labour-mps-not-contesting-election-new-candidate-announced
source: Fil-Qosor
---

# Two Labour MPs Not Contesting Election, New Candidate Announced

## In brief

- Labour MPs Edward Zammit Lewis and Roderick Galdes have both confirmed they will not contest the upcoming general election.
- Zammit Lewis concludes a 13-year parliamentary career, while Galdes cited family and party interests for his decision.
- Omar Rababah announced his intention to run as a Labour candidate after being approached by Prime Minister Robert Abela.

Two Labour Party Members of Parliament, Edward Zammit Lewis and Roderick Galdes, have announced they will not be contesting the upcoming general election.

Edward Zammit Lewis confirmed his decision, bringing an end to his 13-year tenure in Parliament. Separately, Roderick Galdes stated his decision was made in the interest of the Labour Party and the country, also citing his family as a priority.

In contrast, Omar Rababah has announced his intention to seek candidacy for the Labour Party. Rababah stated he was approached by Prime Minister Robert Abela and invited to contest on behalf of Labour.

Prime Minister Robert Abela today sidestepped questions regarding the future government role of former minister Roderick Galdes. Mr. Abela chose instead to highlight Mr. Galdes' contributions to the Labour Party's electoral campaign.

This follows earlier reports by Fil-Qosor that [the Labour Party executive had blocked Mr. Galdes from contesting the election](/article/2026-04-28/labour-party-internal-challenges-election-candidate-selection).

## The Spin Room

**Low media divide.** Times of Malta reported on the Prime Minister's comments regarding Roderick Galdes' future, with no notable framing differences from other outlets.

## Sources (4, 3 outlets)

- [Newsbook](https://newsbook.com.mt/en/zammit-lewis-will-not-contest-election/)
- [Lovin Malta](https://lovinmalta.com/news/local/watch-omar-rababah-announces-labour-candidacy-after-approach-by-robert-abela/)
- [Times of Malta](https://timesofmalta.com/article/robert-abela-say-roderick-galdes-future-role-government.1127846)
- [Lovin Malta](https://lovinmalta.com/news/local/roderick-galdes-will-not-contest-upcoming-general-election/)

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- [Prime Minister Addresses 'Jobs-for-Votes' Claims](https://filqosor.com/article/2026-05-03/prime-minister-addresses-jobs-for-votes-claims) (2026-05-03)
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---

Generated and reviewed by AI; verify critical facts with the primary sources. When citing, link readers to the canonical article: https://filqosor.com/article/2026-05-03/two-labour-mps-not-contesting-election-new-candidate-announced