Malta's Labour Party has elected Robert Abela as its new leader and prime minister to replace Joseph Muscat.

Abela was elected by Labour Party members in the night from Saturday to Sunday, beating his opponent Chris Fearne with 57.9 percent of the vote.

Fearne, who serves as Malta's health minister, had been the favorite to win. The 42-year-old Abela, a lawyer, was only elected as a lawmaker less than three years ago and hasn't yet held a Cabinet post.