Malta’s Diaspora Fights for Voice: Meet the Kenyan-Based Maltese Man Challenging Overseas Voting Rights

Imagine this: it’s election day in Malta, and you’re thousands of miles away, sipping a Tusker beer in Nairobi’s vibrant Ngong Hills. You’re Maltese, but you can’t vote. This is the reality for many Maltese living abroad, like 35-year-old Jonathan, who’s been calling Kenya home for the past five years. Now, he’s on a mission to change that.

From Valletta to Nairobi: A Maltese Expat’s Journey

Jonathan, who asked us not to use his last name, was born and raised in Msida, a bustling town just outside Valletta. After completing his degree in Business Management at the University of Malta, he moved to Kenya for work. He’s now a successful project manager in Nairobi, but he never forgot his roots.

“I’m Maltese, through and through,” he says, “and I want to have a say in how my country is run, no matter where I live.”

Challenging the Status Quo: The Overseas Voting Debate

Malta’s constitution denies Maltese citizens living abroad the right to vote. Jonathan, however, isn’t alone in his fight. The Malta Labour Party (MLP) has been pushing for overseas voting rights for years, with the party’s international secretary, Evarist Bartolo, stating that “Malta’s diaspora deserves a voice.”

The Nationalist Party (PN), on the other hand, argues that logistics and potential fraud make overseas voting challenging. But Jonathan isn’t buying it. “With technology today, there’s no reason why we can’t vote online, securely,” he insists.

Taking the Fight Home: Jonathan’s Campaign

Jonathan started an online petition, ‘Malta’s Diaspora Deserves a Voice,’ which has gathered over 2,000 signatures in just a few weeks. He’s also been rallying support on social media, using the hashtag #VoteMalteseAnywhere.

He’s not stopping at online activism, though. This summer, he plans to visit Malta to meet with political leaders and raise awareness about his cause. “I want to show them that we’re serious, that we won’t be ignored,” he says.

Jonathan’s fight isn’t just about voting; it’s about belonging. “Malta is my home, no matter where I live. I want my country to be proud of me, and I want to be proud of my country. That means having a say in how it’s run.”

As he looks out over the Nairobi skyline, Jonathan smiles. “I might be thousands of miles away, but I’m still Maltese. And I’m still fighting for my voice to be heard.”