Malta’s Diaspora: A Kenyan Voice Calls for Overseas Voting Rights

Imagine this: It’s election day in Malta, and you’re thousands of miles away, sipping a chai in Nairobi’s bustling Ngong Road. You’re Maltese, but you can’t vote. This is the reality for many Maltese living abroad, including Joseph Xuereb, a man on a mission to change this.

From Birkirkara to Nairobi: Joseph’s Journey

Joseph Xuereb, a Birkirkara native, has been living in Kenya’s capital for over a decade. A successful entrepreneur, he’s built a life in Nairobi, but his heart remains in Malta. “I’m Maltese, I pay my taxes, I follow Maltese news, but I can’t vote,” he says, frustration evident in his voice.

Joseph isn’t alone. According to Malta’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, around 225,000 Maltese live abroad. Only 15,000 are registered to vote, and many, like Joseph, feel disenfranchised.

Challenging the Status Quo: The Overseas Voting Debate

Overseas voting has been a contentious issue in Malta for years. Proponents argue that it’s a fundamental right for Maltese citizens living abroad. Opponents cite logistical challenges and the potential for vote-buying.

Joseph, however, believes the benefits outweigh the challenges. “It’s about representation,” he argues. “We deserve a say in how our country is run.” He’s not alone. A 2019 survey by the Malta Union of Journalists found that 72% of Maltese abroad support overseas voting.

Campaigning from Afar: Joseph’s Fight for Change

Joseph has started a petition, ‘Maltese Abroad Deserve a Vote’, which has gathered over 2,000 signatures. He’s also been lobbying politicians, both in Malta and in the diaspora communities. “I’ve spoken to MPs, met with the Prime Minister’s chief of staff,” he says. “I won’t stop until we have a vote.”

His efforts have gained traction. The Malta Labour Party has pledged to introduce overseas voting if elected. The Nationalist Party, while not committing to a timeline, has said it’s open to the idea.

Joseph’s fight is part of a global trend. From Irish citizens in Australia to Indians in the UK, diaspora communities worldwide are pushing for voting rights. Malta, it seems, is not alone in grappling with this issue.

Back in Nairobi, Joseph looks out at the city skyline, his mind a world away in Birkirkara. “I want my voice to count,” he says. “I want all Maltese abroad to have that right.”

As the sun sets over Nairobi, the fight for Maltese overseas voting rights continues. It’s a long road, but for Joseph Xuereb and many others, it’s a fight worth having.