Malta’s Diaspora: A Nairobi-Based Maltese Man Fights for His Voting Rights

Imagine this: it’s election day in Malta, and you’re thousands of miles away, sipping chai in Nairobi’s bustling streets. You’re Maltese, born and bred, but your vote doesn’t count. This is the reality for Maltese expats like Joseph Camilleri, who’s been living in Kenya’s capital for over a decade. But he’s not taking it lying down.

From Birkirkara to Nairobi: A Maltese Expat’s Journey

Joseph, a 42-year-old marketing professional, left Malta in 2009, drawn by the promise of adventure and opportunity in Africa. He’s seen Nairobi grow, change, and become his home away from home. But one thing that hasn’t changed is his desire to have a say in Malta’s political future.

“I’ve always been politically engaged,” Joseph tells us over a Skype call, the Nairobi skyline visible behind him. “Growing up in Birkirkara, politics was a part of everyday life. It’s frustrating to feel disconnected from that now.”

Voting Rights: A Global Issue for Maltese Expats

Joseph is not alone in his predicament. According to the Maltese Embassy in London, there are around 20,000 Maltese living abroad, many of whom would like to vote in Maltese elections. However, the law currently prevents them from doing so.

In 2018, the government proposed an amendment to the Constitution to allow overseas voting, but it was met with opposition and ultimately didn’t pass. Since then, the issue has remained on the back burner, much to the dismay of expats like Joseph.

Taking the Fight to Social Media and the Streets of Nairobi

Joseph has taken his fight for voting rights to social media, using platforms like Facebook and Twitter to raise awareness and rally support. He’s also joined forces with other Maltese expats to form ‘Maltese Abroad Voting Rights’, a group dedicated to pushing for change.

“We’re not just asking for the right to vote,” Joseph explains. “We’re asking to be part of the conversation. We want our voices to be heard, our experiences to be considered, our votes to count.”

Back in Malta, the issue has gained traction among political parties. The Labour Party has pledged to reintroduce the constitutional amendment if re-elected, while the Nationalist Party has also expressed support for overseas voting.

But for Joseph and his fellow expats, it’s not just about party politics. It’s about identity, belonging, and having a say in the country they still call home.

“Malta is more than just a place on a map for me,” Joseph says. “It’s my family, my friends, my history. And I want to help shape its future, no matter where I live.”