Malta’s Diaspora: A Nairobi Resident Fights for Overseas Voting Rights

Imagine living thousands of miles away from your homeland, yet still feeling the weight of its political decisions on your life. This is the reality for Maltese expat, Joseph Camilleri, who has been challenging the lack of overseas voting rights from his home in Nairobi, Kenya.

From Birkirkara to Nairobi: A Maltese Expat’s Journey

Joseph, a 35-year-old marketing professional, left Malta in 2010 to explore the world. After stints in London and Dubai, he settled in Nairobi five years ago. Despite the distance, he remains deeply connected to his Maltese roots, visiting his hometown of Birkirkara every year. Yet, he’s always felt a pang of frustration when election season rolls around in Malta. “I’m still a Maltese citizen, I still care about what happens here, but I have no say in who leads my country,” he laments.

The Struggle for Overseas Voting Rights

Joseph is not alone in his predicament. According to the Maltese government, there are over 200,000 Maltese living abroad, many of whom feel disenfranchised due to the lack of overseas voting rights. The issue has been a contentious one for years, with previous attempts to introduce overseas voting through legislation failing to gain traction.

Undeterred, Joseph has taken his fight to social media, creating a group called ‘Maltese Abroad – Voting Rights’ to rally support. He’s also reached out to local politicians, urging them to prioritize this issue. “It’s not just about us having a say in Malta’s future,” he argues, “but also about us feeling like we’re still a part of this country, even when we’re miles away.”

Local Support and Global Precedent

Joseph’s efforts have gained traction among the Maltese diaspora, with expats in Australia, Canada, and the UK showing solidarity. Closer to home, the issue has also been taken up by local NGOs like Aditus Foundation and the Malta Human Rights Commission. They argue that denying overseas voters their right to vote is a violation of their fundamental rights.

Joseph points to other countries like Portugal, which allow their citizens living abroad to vote in national elections, as evidence that it can be done. “If Portugal can do it, why can’t Malta?” he asks, a note of determination in his voice.

As the next Maltese election looms, Joseph remains hopeful that his efforts will bear fruit. “I want to see a change,” he says, “I want to see Malta recognize that its people, no matter where they are, deserve a say in its future.”