Maltese Expat Fights for Overseas Voting Rights
Malta in Africa: A Kenyan Struggle for a Maltese Vote
Imagine this: it’s election day in Malta, and you’re thousands of miles away in Nairobi, Kenya. You’re a Maltese citizen, but your vote doesn’t count. This is the reality for many Maltese expats like Joseph Azzopardi, who has been living in Kenya’s capital for over a decade. He’s not alone; there are around 20,000 Maltese living abroad, many of whom feel disenfranchised due to the lack of overseas voting rights.
From Birkirkara to Nairobi: A Maltese Journey
Joseph was born and raised in Birkirkara, a bustling town in the heart of Malta. After completing his studies, he moved to Kenya in 2009 for work, following in the footsteps of many Maltese who have made Africa their home. Today, he’s a successful businessman, but he’s never forgotten his roots. “Malta is my home, and I want to have a say in how it’s run,” he says, his voice echoing the sentiment of many Maltese expats.
Joseph’s story is not unique. Malta has a long history of emigration, with Maltese communities scattered across the globe. While some countries allow their citizens living abroad to vote, Malta is not one of them. This has led to a growing chorus of voices calling for change, with Joseph at the forefront.
Campaigning for Change: The Fight for an Overseas Vote
In 2019, Joseph launched a petition calling for the right to vote from abroad. It gained traction quickly, with thousands signing on. “I was surprised by the response,” Joseph admits. “I didn’t realize how many Maltese felt the same way.” The petition caught the attention of local politicians, sparking a debate about the voting rights of Maltese expats.
The issue is complex. Malta’s electoral system is based on a small island with a relatively stable population. Allowing overseas voting could potentially shift the balance of power. However, opponents argue that it’s unfair to deny Maltese citizens their democratic right to vote simply because they live abroad.
Joseph is undeterred. He’s been lobbying politicians, writing letters to the editor, and using social media to raise awareness. He’s even started a Facebook group, ‘Maltese Abroad – Our Vote Counts’, which has become a hub for expats to share their stories and rally support.
“I’m not doing this for myself,” Joseph says. “I’m doing this for every Maltese person who feels like they’ve been left behind. We deserve a say in our country’s future, no matter where we live.”
: The Road to Change
The fight for overseas voting rights is far from over. Joseph and his supporters are pushing for the issue to be addressed in the upcoming general election. They’re calling on political parties to include it in their manifestos and for the government to introduce legislation to allow expats to vote.
Joseph is optimistic. “I believe we can make a difference. We’re Maltese, and we’re resilient. We’ve overcome bigger challenges than this.”
If you’re a Maltese expat who wants to have your say, join Joseph and his campaign. Sign the petition, share your story, and make your voice heard. Together, we can bring Malta’s democracy to every corner of the globe.
