The Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation's pre-election poll gave the GSLP's candidate Albert Isola an advantage of almost 5% over the GSD's Marlene Hassan-Nahon.

[1][2][3] On 20 May 2013, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo met with Governor Sir Adrian Johns at The Convent and asked him to issue a writ for the by-election.

The Gibraltar Social Democrats as Opposition had initially decided not to contest the by-election considering instead a "gentleman's agreement" as the seat had been one of the GSLP which had become vacant under tragic circumstances.

At this point the GSD was reconsidering its decision not to contest the by-election as its leader, Daniel Feetham, said it would be "illogical" for the elected Opposition not to do so if the PDP signed up.

[5] The party announced, via its Twitter account on 5 June 2013, that it had chosen former Chief Minister Joshua Hassan's daughter Marlene Hassan-Nahon, as its candidate.