Maltese in Nairobi: “I’m Denied a Voice in My Homeland’s Future”

Imagine living thousands of miles away from your home, yet still feeling a strong pull towards its politics and culture. This is the reality for Maltese expats like Joseph Camilleri, who has been living in Nairobi, Kenya for the past decade. Yet, despite his deep connection to Malta, he’s denied a fundamental right: the ability to vote in his homeland’s elections.

Expat Disenfranchisement: A Global Issue

Joseph is not alone. According to the Maltese government, around 170,000 Maltese live abroad, many of whom feel disenfranchised due to the lack of overseas voting rights. This issue is not unique to Malta; expat voting rights have been a contentious topic worldwide, with countries like the UK, Canada, and the US grappling with similar challenges.

Malta’s Overseas Voting Debate

Malta’s constitution allows for overseas voting, but the process is complex and costly, with voters needing to physically apply for a postal vote. This has led to low turnout among expats, with only around 3,000 votes cast in the 2019 European Parliament elections. Joseph, like many others, finds this process inconvenient and feels it’s a barrier to his right to vote.

“I’ve been following Maltese politics closely from afar,” says Joseph, sipping coffee at a bustling café in Nairobi’s Karen neighborhood. “I feel invested in what happens back home, but I’m essentially shut out of the democratic process.”

Campaigning for Change

Joseph is now part of a growing movement pushing for easier overseas voting. Groups like ‘Voters Without Borders’ and ‘Overseas Vote Malta’ have been campaigning for online voting and automatic registration for expats. They argue that these changes would boost turnout and ensure that the Maltese diaspora has a say in their country’s future.

MPs have been debating the issue, with some proposing changes to the electoral law. However, the process has been slow, and expats remain frustrated. “We’re not asking for much,” says Joseph. “Just the chance to have our voices heard, like any other Maltese citizen.”

Back in Malta, the issue has sparked debate. Some argue that expats should have the same voting rights as locals, while others question the practicality and security of online voting. Meanwhile, expats like Joseph wait, hoping that their voices will soon be heard in their homeland’s halls of power.

Joseph sums up his feelings: “Malta is my home, and I want to help shape its future. But right now, I’m just a spectator, watching from thousands of miles away.”