Maltese Expat Fights for Voting Rights from Nairobi

Imagine standing in the bustling streets of Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, thousands of miles away from your birthplace in Malta. Now imagine feeling disenfranchised, unable to vote for the very government that represents your homeland. This is the reality for Maltese expat, Mark Camilleri, who has made Kenya his home for the past decade.

Mark, a 38-year-old software engineer from Birkirkara, is challenging the lack of overseas voting rights for Maltese citizens living abroad. He’s not alone; according to the Maltese government, there are over 200,000 Maltese living overseas, many of whom feel disempowered by their inability to vote.

Malta’s voting laws have long been criticized for disenfranchising its expat population. Currently, Maltese citizens living abroad for more than two years are not entitled to vote in national elections. This law, dating back to Malta’s independence in 1964, has been a contentious issue for many expats who still consider Malta their home.

Mark, like many others, argues that this law is outdated and unfair. “I pay my taxes in Malta, I own property there, and I still have family and friends who live there. Yet, I have no say in who governs the country,” he says, his voice echoing with frustration.

Mark’s fight for voting rights began as a social media campaign, #VotingRightsForAll, which has since gained traction among Maltese expats worldwide. His petition, addressed to the Maltese government, has gathered over 10,000 signatures, a testament to the growing discontent among Maltese expats.

Mark’s campaign has also caught the attention of local politicians. Dr. Robert Abela, Malta’s Prime Minister, has acknowledged the issue, stating that his government is “looking into the matter” and is “open to discussing changes in the law.” However, no concrete steps have been taken yet.

Mark remains undeterred. “I’m not doing this for myself,” he says, “I’m doing this for every Maltese expat who feels their voice isn’t heard. We deserve to have a say in our country’s future.”

Mark plans to take his campaign to the next level by organizing a global protest on March 20, Malta’s Independence Day. He encourages Maltese expats worldwide to join him in peaceful protests outside their respective Maltese embassies.

“We need to make our voices heard,” Mark says, “We need to show the Maltese government that we matter, that we’re not just numbers, but citizens with rights.”