Maltese man living in Nairobi challenges lack of overseas voting rights
From Nairobi to Malta: A Voting Rights Crusade
Imagine this: it’s election day in Malta, and you’re thousands of miles away, sipping coffee in the bustling streets of Nairobi. You’re Maltese, but your vote is as distant as the Mediterranean is from the Indian Ocean. This is the reality for Maltese expats like Joseph Camilleri, who’s on a mission to change that.
A Maltese Kenyan’s Struggle
Joseph, a 35-year-old marketing professional, has been living in Kenya’s capital for the past seven years. He’s not alone; according to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, over 2,000 Maltese live abroad in Africa. Yet, unlike their European counterparts, Maltese expats cannot vote from overseas. Joseph wants to change that.
“I’ve always been passionate about politics and Malta’s future,” Joseph says, sitting in a café in Nairobi’s vibrant Kilimani district. “But it’s frustrating knowing I can’t have a say in who leads my country.”
The Legal scene
Malta’s constitution doesn’t currently provide for overseas voting. The Electoral Act allows for it, but the necessary regulations have never been enacted. Joseph isn’t the first to raise this issue, but he’s one of the most vocal. He’s started an online petition and has been lobbying politicians, both locally and in the diaspora.
“I’ve spoken to several MPs,” Joseph says. “Some are sympathetic, but it’s clear there’s a lot of work to be done to make this a reality.”
The Local Angle
Back in Malta, the issue has gained traction. The Malta Labour Party has pledged to introduce overseas voting if elected. The Nationalist Party, meanwhile, has been more cautious, citing practical challenges. Joseph, undeterred, is pushing for a cross-party consensus.
“This isn’t about party politics,” he says. “It’s about Maltese democracy. Whether you’re in Birkirkara or Nairobi, your vote should count.”
Joseph’s fight isn’t just about principle; it’s personal. He points to the street art in Nairobi, a stark reminder of the power of the vote. “Here, people fought and died for the right to vote. It’s a right I want Maltese expats to have, no matter where they are in the world.”
**
