Together Gibraltar became the first political party to declare their slate of candidates for the upcoming general election.

The party boasts gender parity in their line-up, being the first political party to have an equal number of men and women in a full list of 10 individuals, from a range of social and ethnic backgrounds.

Notably, not a single candidate is a lawyer, echoing Together Gibraltar’s regular criticism of the establishment and the ‘barristocracy’.

The candidates for the general election will be as follows (in alphabetical order):

Jackie Anderson

Daniel Ghio

Marlene Hassan Nahon MP (Leader)

Sian Jones

Kamlesh Khubchand

John Montegriffo

Erika Pozo

Craig Sacarello

Neil Samtani

Tamsin Suarez

Party leader Marlene Hassan Nahon described the team as “diverse and dynamic”, with former executive chairperson and now candidate Neil Samtani proclaiming a “truly representative slate”. In his final statement as chairperson, a role that will now be assumed on an interim basis by Ivan Hernandez, Samtani called for support and inclusion to those who didn’t make the 10, encouraging them to keep contributing to their energy and consider running again at the primaries for the next general election campaign.  

Ms Hassan Nahon announced that more than 200 votes were recorded, making up roughly 40% of the eligible membership. The votes were verified three times over by non-candidate volunteers in the party. According to the MP, the party saw a “significant influx of members” since the announcement of the primary process at the beginning of August.

Every candidate gave short statements relating to what they bring to the table.

Jackie Anderson spoke about her experience in local government in the UK and her work in social housing, stressing the desire to create a “society for all, not just the elite”.

Daniel Ghio’s pitch focused on areas of tourism, the upper town, and Gibraltar’s potential in culture and the arts.

Sian Jones articulated the need to diversify the economy in a time of global challenges.

Businessman Kamlesh Khubchand committed himself to being available to the people of Gibraltar and their concerns.

John Montegriffo reflected on his career in social care and voiced a mission to “bring back trust in our political institutions, which is currently at an all-time low”.

Erika Pozo commented on her professional background in financial compliance and wished to bring regulatory efficiency to Gibraltar’s public finances.

Craig Sacarello lamented “playground politics” and its tribalism.

Tamsin Suarez echoed the mantra of representation as well as the need for gender equality in pay and pensions.

When asked whether the remaining four primary candidates would be included in the event of a parliamentary enlargement Ms Hassan Nahon said it would be “back to the drawing board” and they would simply hold another primary election process for the remaining slots.  

Ms Hassan Nahon and Mr Sacarello both asserted their intention to campaign on the real issues.

Spokesperson roles and portfolio areas are expected to be announced next week, and Hassan Nahon encouraged other parties to conduct primaries in the name of enhancing democracy and inclusivity.