Maltese Expats in Nairobi Fight for Voting Rights
Imagine this: It’s election day in Malta, and you’re thousands of miles away in Nairobi, Kenya. You’re Maltese, you’ve paid your taxes, you’ve followed the news, but you can’t vote. This is the reality for Maltese expats like Joseph Azzopardi, who’s been living in Kenya’s capital for over a decade. He’s not alone – there are thousands more like him, scattered across the globe, their voices silenced by the lack of overseas voting rights.
A Long Way from Home
Joseph Azzopardi sits in his apartment in Nairobi’s Kilimani district, a bustling neighborhood known for its vibrant nightlife and cosmopolitan vibe. He’s been here since 2009, working in the tech industry, building a life far from the Mediterranean shores he calls home. But every election season, he feels that familiar pang of frustration. “I’m still Maltese,” he says, “I still care about what happens back home, but I’m powerless to influence it.”
The Law of the Land
Malta’s constitution is clear: you must be present in Malta to vote. This means that even if you’re a Maltese citizen living abroad, you’re not eligible to vote in local or European elections. The last attempt to change this was in 2015, when the government proposed a constitutional amendment to allow overseas voting. It was defeated, with opponents arguing that it could lead to vote-buying and corruption.
A Growing Chorus
Joseph is not the only one voicing his frustration. Organizations like ‘Voters Without Borders’ and ‘Malta Lovers Abroad’ have been campaigning for overseas voting rights. They argue that with more Maltese living abroad than ever before – over 200,000 according to the latest figures – it’s time to update the constitution to reflect this reality. “We’re not asking for much,” says Joseph, “just the right to have our say.”
Back in Malta, the debate continues. Proponents of overseas voting point to other EU countries like Portugal and Ireland that allow their citizens living abroad to vote. Opponents argue that it could lead to a ‘postal vote’ system that’s open to abuse. But with each election cycle, the calls for change grow louder.
Joseph looks out at the Nairobi skyline, the sun setting over the city he’s called home for so long. “I miss Malta,” he says, “but I’m not ready to give up on my life here. I just want to make sure my voice is heard, no matter where I am.”
