Eight candidates yesterday became the first to submit their nomination for the casual elections to fill seats vacated by candidates elected from two districts on April 12.
Former Labour housing minister Freddie Portelli, who has not been re-elected since 1998, submitted his nomination for the third district, where MLP deputy leader George Vella has vacated a seat.
PN candidate Dr Franco Debono is to contest the fifth district for the seat vacated by Education Minister Louis Galea.
Former Labour MP Dr John Buttigieg, who has been missing from the House for several years, cast his nomination for the eighth district for the seat vacated by Labour leader Alfred Sant.
In the ninth district, former minister Dr Michael Frendo, Dr John Vella, who was elected in 1998, and Msida mayor Dr Carmel Grima, are contesting the seat vacated by Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech.
Dr Frendo is also contesting the casual election for the tenth district for the seat vacated by Foreign Minister Dr Joe Borg.
Labour candidate Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi submitted his candidature for the seat vacated by Mr Evarist Bartolo on the tenth district.
Dr Joseph Cassar is contesting the seat vacated by Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami in the 11th district.
Nominations will continue to be received until Wednesday.