Maltese Expat in Nairobi: “I’m Denied a Voice in My Home Country’s Future”

Imagine living abroad for years, yet still feeling deeply connected to your home country. Now, imagine being denied the right to vote in its elections. This is the reality for thousands of Maltese expats worldwide, including Joseph Camilleri, a Maltese man living in Nairobi, Kenya.

Malta’s Voting Laws: A Barrier to Expat Participation

Malta’s voting laws currently require citizens to be physically present in Malta to cast their vote. This means that Maltese expats like Joseph, who have built lives abroad, are effectively disenfranchised. They are left without a say in the political decisions that could still greatly impact their lives and the lives of their families back home.

“I’ve been living in Nairobi for over a decade,” says Joseph, “but I still have family and investments in Malta. I should have a say in how my country is run, but I’m denied that right.”

Joseph’s Campaign: #VoteFromAbroad

Joseph is not taking this disenfranchisement lying down. He has started a social media campaign, #VoteFromAbroad, to raise awareness about the issue and push for change. His campaign has gained traction among the Maltese expat community, with many sharing their own stories of feeling disconnected from their home country’s political process.

“I’ve seen so many Maltese expats feeling frustrated and helpless about this,” says Joseph. “We’re a small country, but we’re a global one too. Our voices should matter, no matter where we are in the world.”

Support Growing in Malta

Joseph’s campaign is also gaining support back home in Malta. Opposition politicians have started to echo his calls for reform, and even some government MPs have expressed sympathy with the expat cause. The issue is also being discussed on local talk shows and in online forums.

Dr. Godfrey Farrugia, MP for Attard and a vocal supporter of Joseph’s campaign, says, “It’s only fair that Maltese citizens living abroad have the right to vote. They’re still paying taxes in Malta, they’re still invested in Malta, so they should have a say in how Malta is governed.”

Joseph’s campaign has also caught the attention of the Malta Returnees Association, an organization that supports Maltese expats who want to return to the island. The association has thrown its weight behind the #VoteFromAbroad campaign, further boosting its profile.

What’s Next?

Joseph is now planning a petition to present to the Maltese Parliament, calling for a change in the voting laws. He’s also reaching out to other Maltese expat communities around the world, encouraging them to join the campaign and share their stories.

“This is about more than just my right to vote,” says Joseph. “It’s about the right of every Maltese citizen, no matter where they are in the world, to have a say in their country’s future.”

If you’re a Maltese expat who wants to support Joseph’s campaign, you can find more information on the #VoteFromAbroad Facebook page. If you’re in Malta and want to show your support, you can contact your local MP and ask them to back the campaign.

This is a story about more than just voting rights. It’s a story about belonging, about identity, and about what it means to be Maltese in the 21st century. It’s a story that’s far from over, but one thing is clear: Joseph Camilleri and the thousands of Maltese expats like him are not going to be silenced.