Ex-Citizen Still on Malta’s Electoral Roll
In the heart of Valletta, at the Civil Status Office on Merchants Street, a man’s name has been causing a stir. Despite renouncing his Maltese citizenship over a decade ago, he remains on the electoral roll, raising questions about the system’s efficiency and the rights of former citizens.
A Name on the List
Meet Joseph, not his real name, who walked away from his Maltese passport in 2010. He’d moved to Australia, started a new life, and decided he no longer needed it. But when he recently checked the electoral roll, there was his name, still listed under his old address in Żebbuġ.
The System’s Blind Spot
Joseph isn’t alone. A quick search reveals several others in a similar situation. The Electoral Commission insists it relies on notifications from the Foreign Affairs Ministry to update the roll. But the Ministry says it’s the Commission’s responsibility. Meanwhile, former citizens remain on the list, some unaware, others like Joseph, surprised and concerned.
Dr. Tonio Borg, former European Commissioner and Maltese MP, weighs in, “It’s a procedural issue that needs addressing. Former citizens shouldn’t be on the electoral roll, it’s as simple as that.”
The Legal Grey Area
Lawyer Dr. Ian Spiteri Bailey explains, “The Citizenship Act is silent on this. It only specifies that once citizenship is renounced, it’s lost. There’s no provision for removing former citizens from the electoral roll.” He believes it’s a loophole that needs closing.
Back in Żebbuġ, Joseph’s neighbour, Maria, says, “I didn’t know he’d given up his citizenship. But I’m not surprised he’s still on the roll. The system here, it’s not always… efficient.”
