Maltese Expat Fights for Voting Rights from Nairobi

From Nairobi to Malta: A Voting Rights Crusade

Imagine this: It’s a sunny Sunday morning in Nairobi, Kenya. Joseph Azzopardi, a Maltese expat, is not enjoying his coffee on his balcony, nor is he planning his weekend. Instead, he’s drafting an email to Malta’s Prime Minister, Robert Abela. His mission? To challenge the lack of voting rights for Maltese citizens living abroad.

Joseph, a 35-year-old marketing professional, has been living in Nairobi for the past five years. Like many Maltese expats, he feels a strong connection to his home country. Yet, he’s disheartened by the fact that he can’t vote in Malta’s elections, despite paying his fair share of taxes and maintaining strong ties with the island.

Malta’s Voting Dilemma

Malta is one of the few EU countries that don’t allow its citizens living abroad to vote in national elections. The current voting law, enacted in 1979, only permits Maltese citizens living overseas to vote in local council elections if they’ve been registered on the electoral roll within the past five years.

Joseph isn’t alone in his quest for change. The Malta Labour Party (PL) had promised to introduce overseas voting rights in their 2017 manifesto. However, two years into their term, the issue remains unresolved. This has sparked a debate among Maltese expats worldwide, with many echoing Joseph’s sentiments.

Joseph’s Campaign

Joseph’s email to Prime Minister Abela was just the beginning. He’s since started an online petition, “Voting Rights for Maltese Abroad,” which has gathered over 2,000 signatures. He’s also reached out to local MP’s, including Jason Azzopardi, who’s shown support for the cause.

“I believe it’s only fair that Maltese citizens living abroad have a say in the country’s future,” Joseph tells Hot Malta. “We’re taxpayers, we maintain strong ties with Malta, and we’re affected by the decisions made here. It’s time our voices are heard.”

Joseph’s campaign has gained traction on social media, with many Maltese expats sharing their stories and voicing their support. The hashtag #VoteFromAbroad has been trending among the Maltese diaspora, with expats from Australia to Canada joining the conversation.

Back in Malta, the issue has sparked debate among political parties. The Nationalist Party (PN) has been vocal about their support for overseas voting rights, with MP Simon Busuttil stating, “It’s only fair that Maltese citizens living abroad have the right to vote. They’re an integral part of our community, and their voices should be heard.”

Meanwhile, the government has been tight-lipped about the issue. When asked about the progress on overseas voting rights, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s office simply stated, “The issue is being looked into.”

Joseph remains undeterred. He plans to continue his campaign, organizing virtual meetings with Maltese expats worldwide and keeping the pressure on local MP’s. He’s also considering organizing a protest in front of the Maltese Embassy in Nairobi, should the issue remain unresolved.

“I’m not going to stop until we get the right to vote,” Joseph says, determination in his voice. “We deserve to have a say in Malta’s future, and I’m committed to making that happen.”