Maltese Expat Fights for Voting Rights from Nairobi
From Nairobi to Malta: A Voting Rights Battle
Imagine this: It’s a crisp Maltese morning, and you’re standing in line at the polling station, ready to cast your vote. Now, imagine you’re not in Malta, but in Nairobi, Kenya, thousands of miles away. For Maltese expat, Mark Attard, this isn’t just a dream, it’s a fight he’s determined to win.
Mark’s Story
Mark, a 35-year-old IT consultant, moved to Nairobi five years ago for work. Like many Maltese expats, he’s proud of his roots and wants his voice to be heard in Malta’s political process. But there’s a catch – Maltese citizens living abroad don’t have the right to vote in general elections or referendums.
Mark isn’t alone in his struggle. According to the National Society of Maltese Living Abroad, there are over 200,000 Maltese living outside Malta, many of whom feel disenfranchised due to the lack of voting rights.
Challenging the Status Quo
Mark has taken his fight to the European Court of Human Rights. He argues that the current voting system violates his right to freedom of expression and political participation, guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights.
His case has gained traction, with support from the National Society of Maltese Living Abroad and even some political parties in Malta. But the road to change is long and winding. The Maltese government has maintained that the current system ensures the integrity of the voting process.
What’s Next?
The European Court of Human Rights is expected to deliver its judgment in Mark’s case later this year. Regardless of the outcome, Mark is determined to keep fighting. “I’m not doing this for myself,” he says, “I’m doing this for every Maltese living abroad who wants their voice to be heard.”
Back in Malta, the debate rages on. Some argue that overseas voting could swing elections, while others insist it’s a matter of democratic principle. One thing’s for sure – Mark Attard’s fight has sparked a conversation that’s not going away anytime soon.
If you’re a Maltese expat with an opinion on this issue, we want to hear from you. Share your thoughts on our Facebook page or email us at info@hotmalta.com.
