Malta’s Diaspora: The Nairobi Voter’s Dilemma

Imagine this: It’s election day in Malta, and you’re thousands of miles away, in the bustling heart of Nairobi. You’re Maltese, born and bred, but now you call Kenya home. You’re eager to exercise your democratic right, but you can’t. Why? Because, as a Maltese citizen living abroad, you’re denied the right to vote in overseas elections.

An Expat’s Predicament

Meet Joseph, a 35-year-old Maltese man who’s been living in Nairobi for the past seven years. He’s a successful businessman, a family man, and a proud Maltese citizen. Yet, every election season, he’s faced with the same frustrating reality. “I feel disconnected,” he says, “I’m Maltese, I pay my taxes, but I can’t vote. It’s like I’m not fully part of the country anymore.”

Joseph is not alone. According to the Maltese government, there are over 200,000 Maltese living abroad, many of whom are denied the right to vote in overseas elections. This has sparked a debate about the rights of Maltese expats and the need for electoral reform.

Malta’s Electoral Laws: A Barrier to Democracy?

Malta’s electoral laws currently prevent citizens living abroad for more than two years from voting in overseas elections. This law, dating back to 1979, has been criticized for disenfranchising a significant portion of the Maltese population. “It’s like we’re being punished for pursuing opportunities abroad,” says Joseph.

But why the resistance to change? Some argue that allowing overseas voting could lead to voter fraud or manipulation. Others point to the practical challenges of organizing votes abroad. However, with advancements in technology and secure voting systems, these arguments are increasingly being challenged.

Campaigning for Change

Joseph is part of a growing movement pushing for change. Groups like ‘Voters Without Borders’ and ‘Malta Abroad’ are campaigning for the right to vote, organizing protests, and lobbying politicians. They’ve gained traction, with some political parties promising reform if elected.

the issue has reached the European level. In 2018, the European Parliament passed a resolution calling on EU member states to grant voting rights to their citizens living abroad. Malta, however, has yet to comply.

Back in Nairobi, Joseph remains hopeful. “I believe change is coming. We’re not asking for much, just the chance to have a say in the country we love and call home.”

As Malta heads into its next election, the question remains: Will the voice of its expat community finally be heard?