Muscat proposes to lower voting age to 16

Why not lower it to 13 or 14 years? After all these kids always join carcades after every election. They only need the vote to truly contribute to the electoral system and to the concerned party.

!6 year olds can: marry, have bank accounts, work, drink alcohol etc.... They should be able to vote too. They will offset the aging population and those people who suffer from senile dementia etc and are still allowed to vote.

I personally think its an outragous and at the least stupid proposal.
Lowering the age to 16, its bad enought that drinking is down to 16.
shame on you muscat, think before you speak.

@ ABC What is it about Labour's Lil'elves, most of them seem to have difficulty with writing English?

And what is it about fat conservative toads who use archaic vocabulary and have a propensity for the subjunctive mood?

I'm just pulling your leg OK? I SOMETIMES read what you scribble. Not for the content of course but for the style :)

Its only local council elections and a test run, they don't need to know any international politics, they just need to know what's going on in their locality, and what is needed to improve their locality. their decision in a local council election is not going to interfere with their (and everyone else)future. its a test run. 12 yr olds can keep playing and enjoying their youth. they will be electing people who would be discussing road signs and traffic diversions, light posts and pavement refurbishment. surely not our budget.

Good observation by Mr or Ms J.Spiteri. Citizen’s right to vote is endorsed with other rights as a fully mature citizen. Therefore if we are saying that 16 year olds are fully mature and fully responsible for their decisions, then they must not only be given the right to vote but there must also be other legal updated for eg in our criminal law.

I am convinced that such an issue was proposed to achieve sensationalism and sympathy particularly with those that presently are between 16 to 18 years old. Probably such political move was done to make us believe that the new MLP leader is a dynamic, progressive and a modem politician that had started the so much promised political earthquake within the party and also on within the national agenda. But if this short sited proposal is part of the earthquake, then the MLP will surly be not credible when putting forward other ‘unstudied / incomplete’ proposals as if with the only intension to achieve some media coverage.

@ Mark Bugeja

I never voted PN in my life and never will, I can consider to stay at home next time if things inside MY party don't please me but voting PN is out of question and if you knew me you would never talk like this to me.

Unluckily for you many Labourites out here have my same opinion, that is, our delegates are more immature than 16 year olds when it comes to choose what's better for our party let alone what's better for our country. We were promised a new Labour but what they have given us are recycles from the past and to add insult to injury these were chosen from our darkest past, that past that for it a good fraction of the population are still scared to vote for us 30 years on.

So think twice when you accuse me of talking nonsense. I'm sure that for 90% of readers my post was short and sweet and makes sense.

J spiteri...why does it have to be either one, or the other?

The kid, as you folks love callin him, clearly has the energy to address a host of issues.

As for solving the immigration issue, well, if you would trust him with governance, perhaps he will.

As things stand, the main responsibility lies in the hand of those democratically elected to lead.

well done joseph.you really are a modern labour party leader.keep it up.

keeping in mind the trends one tends to see, what makes you think that a 16 year old will come to an informed decision without any influence from their parents? for heaven's sake, even supposedly mature adults vote for a particular party just because their family are supporters!!!

the majority of maltese teenagers seem to be living on another planet. Few are those that have read more than a handful of books in their lives. Few have knowledge on foreign affairs. Their intelligence is suppressed at a young age on exposure to frivolous matters. As a university student i come face to face with such people every day. The ignorance of the majority of people on this island is overwhelming, even in Malta's supposed highest institution.

Although I am sure that there are mature 16 year olds who are capable of reaching an informed decision, i am also more certain that the majority of 16 year olds who aren't capable due to familial pressure or mere closed-mindedness, far outweigh the former.

Dr Muscat, let say you did give the right to vote to young people16+, does this mean if they commit a crime they will be punished as a grown up adult? the law as it is stands they are still juvenile, why not put your best efforts solving this illegal immigrants problem instead of coming out with this suggestion.

Elves in Tolkien mythology are slender, graceful creatures...

That rules ABC out then!

Opposing the Elves....

The Orcs, Ogres and trolls?

ABC take your pick..

@ M. Gauci

Please do not mention the MZPN. During the last general election campaign, their activities had been attended practically by persons in their 30s and very very few University students between 25 to 30 years old. In my opinion the very few youths within the MZPN are almost practically not active (with the exception of organising only a boat party yearly during Aug.) and the PN must do something to push such an important entity within the party.

In recent years there had been the introduction of the youth parliament and also a youth empowerment system promoting the ‘youth’ local councils that for ex (subject to correction) that was surly implemented to the full in Zurrieq.

Such have the intension of achieving hopefully politically mature citizens in the near future and perhaps the involvement of more youths in politics an local and national level. But I sincerely think that just proposing voting for 16 year olds + without studying these local political developments, would be most probably an unwise decision.

Perhaps Dr Muscat was too busy recently trying to give a pro-EU image of the MLP particularly abroad and with his leadership campaign to take not of such ‘small’ but innovative policies that are truly meant for the good and the fulfilment of our youths without too much sensationalism ecc

I think that within the MLP there are certain element, that like to propose issues on national level in order to be seen sensational and politically active when effectively some results of such an attitude give only short term results and weak political proposals like for example the proposal of the ‘repeater’ year for small children put forward during last general election.

Every proposal have some good and bad but we must be mature enough and discuss together such good and bad in each system not just propose an idea as if with the only intension to achieve sympathy with those that presently are of 16 to 18 yrs of age and that eventually, even if this proposal will not be implemented, they will be potential voters during the next general election just the same.

What's up with calling anyone writing blogs which criticise the government or agree with a certain Labour standpoint, "Labour's elves" ? Perhaps we should start calling some of the more fanatical nationalist bloggers "PN s little moles" as they tend to be blind to many of the current adminsitration's faults.

Would lowering the age of the elections to 16, allow them to contest as candidates? can we have a 16 year old mayor?

Is this kind of reform really needed? I doubt it. Wouldn't it be better if Dr. Muscat concentrated on more important issues rather than trying to win votes....

@ A Borg Cardona - Its not just Labours' little elves who have problems with expressing themselves in the English Language, I could name names but all you have to do is scroll down this blog and you'll know exactly what I mean. Let's just commend them for their effort rather then ridiculing them.

I also think the PN are sitting on the fence on this one until they see how the land lies and I'm pretty sure that they will eventually agree to discuss the issue, because the last thing they want to do is alienate the young voters.

Where is Lorry Gonzi by the way?? Is it hibernation season??

Joe Galea - I'll sit for an intelligence test if you sit for a spelling and grammar test. What is it about Labour's Lil'elves, most of them seem to have difficulty with writing English?

@ABC: Beware beacuse if you sit for the intelligence test you surely have a high percentage of failure.

@Gerard mangion: I pity you big deal. I think the sun is affecting you really badly.

@ Ronnie Gauchi:

Don't try to be fool and kindly do not be ridiculous in your comments. I know that you really dislike the MLP but me more mature in your comments. No hard feelings but realize that you must not write nonsense. Hope you made the good decision voting PN in the last election and you are not regretting it.

I as a nationalist AGREE 100% with Joseph Muscat

DCG - i love uuuuuuuuuuuuuu… i admire uuu for speaking out and telling it like it is.. rock on sista from another mista

I think the proposal of giving 16-year olds voting rights in Local Council Elections, is quite an interesting one. In my hometown their is quite a large number of youngsters that are active in the day to day affairs of our local community. A large number of organizations exist were the number of teenagers significantly outweighs those coming from any other age group. Thus, I am in favor of empowering these people with a vote, so that they themselves can express their opinions.

The times today also reported, that this proposal was also endorsed by MZPN and Alternativa Demokratika while the Nationalist Party has yet to communicate its position. As I understand it this is no longer Joseph's personal opinion any more.

From the comments i read so far it seems as if we are not ready to let go our old way of doing politics. Why not be open to other peoples ideas? Why do we have to slander and belittle ideas which differ from our own? I beleive we all have a great deal to learn if we want our country to prosper. This - "I know best attitude" is clearly a thing of the past which is proving very hard to die.

I dont know exactly what is the problem with certain people.........if you disagree with JM then you're a blinfolded Nationalist, licker and a minion if you agree than you are splitting the PN (RE---MICHEAL CUTAJAR)....can't we just agree to disagree and have a normal exchange of ideas??..Some think this proposal is the biggest thing since bread and butter, some (like me) think it makes sense and should be discussed and some think its downright stupid...............so what?? Everyone has a right to voice ones opinion........yes MZPN think it's good and three cheers to them for not being afraid to second an idea by their party's main opponent.............FZL acted courageosly too when they came all out for Joanne Cassar..........I think we should applaud people when they disagree, its part of a democratic, progressive debate and we should applaud them even more if they stick their necks out for something that they believe in..............

@ those who still doubt 16 year olds--------Look at how this blog (by 'mature' voters) has turned to--name calling and conspiracy theories of those who have one single agenda----demomising the Opponent

No....this idea is good and a 25 yr old like me has a duty to say so!!

@ gordon tanti

do yourself a favor, be a good kid and comment as much as you want no one will stop you surely, if you like the sexy 16' teens vote, as the great J.m do that is your oppinion not Mine.
But DONT be selfish and rude to other Commenter's !

Hu pacenzja Kid U mela !Hu pacenzja Kid U mela !Hu pacenzja Kid U mela !

I've been raised with socialist ideals which I fully lean to, so really my resistance to such a reduction is not due to any political affiliation... It in fact hurts me & feel it insulting that such an issue should be politicised so much! No it's not just a political question... The underlying question in this issue is at what age should be one deem to be an adult?! Yes the voting right is one of those milestones which make us feel adults, along with the driving license, being permitted to but alcohol, joining the police & army plus it's the age of consent. I can expect the natural question, why am I tying all of these together... Well let's sum it this way, if you lower the age of one it's only right that consequently you'd have to lower the age of most of the rest with the same argument!... I'm not an expert in this but common sense dictate that many adults with their family could be put at the mercy of such too much young persons... Please let's be careful for the sake of this nation.

Well if we want the youths to have a bigger say in the local development, i'll fully agree to this proposal.

@Daphne Caruana Galizia: although I do agree you should be at least 18 to vote. But to say 16 year olds in Malta can't think is an insult. Personally I think any one who holds a Government contract should not be able to vote or contribute money to any party.Since there is a MAJOR conflict of interest. Sixteen year olds can't think, but between 366 and 730 days later, will become thinkers.

Blue ALert.,....Blue ALert...

Direct order:


Elements within the Pn are in favour of such a proposal....

Kindly delete any contributions calling Joseph Muscat derogatory names as it may yet rebound on us all....

Thank you...


TSSsk TSSSSSSSSSk
Over and out

This tape will self destruct in 5 seconds!

This is just my opinion, voting age should be reveiwed.

The voting age should be increased from 18 to 20 together with the motor license.
Neither at 16 nor 18 is a person REALLY aware of what is going about around them, of course I cannot generalise but it is my personal opinion that at 16 or 18 you are not ready to vote or drive.
The fact is that the culture from the early 1900's to date has changed alot, 40 years ago an 18 year old male is considered a man, he has his status, he probably already left home or is on his way and is not dependant of his parents. If you go further back the age would decrease.
At 18 nowadays most of the youngsters (again i stress not all, but definately the majority) are still studying, getting a stipend and probably working a partime job without paying tax (all well and good and good luck to them). They are also living with their parents FOR FREE so they do not have that level of independance where they can feel the pros and cons of the governments actions other than what their parents tell them.

well done J.Muscat, smart move indeed...

Well-done Dr.Muscat

That shows how much you believe in our youngsters Dr.Muscat welldoneeeeee.

Dr.Gonzi don't refuse to give this youngsters the right for their vote don't be once again "IL PARTIT TAL LE "

@ Kevin Borg
Joseph Muscat managed to SPLIT the nationalists on this one. We have Bocca and Daphne together with other PN apologists that are shooting to each and every Muscats proposal including this one and you have Frank Psaila (PN Information Secretary) and his assistant, Trevor De giorgio, questioning the originality of the idea:
Trevor De Giorgio (18 hours, 19 minutes ago)
Some time ago Frank Psaila, who at the time was MZPN's (Moviment Zghazagh Partit Nazzjonalista) publicrelations officer, had written an opinion piece regarding this issue. Numerous Eruopean Countries, including Germany and Switzerland have introduced this concept albeit in a minimised form. Well done to Joseph Muscat for taking up MZPN's proposal...altough he is a few months late.
And thats because no one is leading the Nationalist Party right now. Auto Pilot. Gonzi is nowhere to be seen.

Its official :

The Nationalist Party (NP) has become the NIET PARTY !!

The tide is changing !!

Keep digging in JOSEPH !!

Most 18-year-olds do not care about their vote. The majority just vote like their parents and are not interested in politics. So why involve 16-year-olds if they do not yet have the knowledge and experience to make their own voting decision?

Many people usually start to care about politics when they have been working for a couple of years and begin gaining experience and independence. This usually happens between the age of 21-25. If it was up to me I would bring voting age up to at least 21.

I SAY LET THEM EXPRESS THEMSELVES LET THEM VOTE!

JOE MICALLEF

ONCE AGAIN YOU'RE WRONG I AM NOT A PARTY DELEGATE. AN AM 100% LABOUR YES.

BUT WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU GUYS!!! I SAID THE TRUTH YOUR PARTY WAS AGAINST WOMEN VOTE. THAT'S 100% TRUE AMONGST OTHERS TA MANY OTHERS.

YOU'RE WRONG MY FRIEND, YOU'RE PANICKING I GUESS. VIVA JOSEPH.

What lack of respect many of you are showing towards young people. Why label 16 year olds as unthinking children? Maybe many of you are so old that you have forgotten what you were like as 16 year olds. Before I gained the right to vote at 18 I was already involved in (non-partisan) political organizations and pressure groups. I read about the world around me and wanted to change it. It is only now as I grow older that I've become disenchanted and increasingly disinterested in local politics. However I admire the energy and dedication shown by some people nowadays who are involved in NGOs and political activism. I applaud Joseph Muscat's suggestion!

It's funny how some people are infuriated that our current 12 year olds have to weigh out their options in order to make a choice by 2013. Did they not read? JM has proposed that 16 year olds should be given the chance to vote in LOCAL council elections. So I cannot fathom where you got the idea that our 12 year olds have to suddenly enter the political arena for 2013. I cannot either understand why something that is taking birth in the world around us has to be shot down by a great deal of Maltese or treated close-mindedly as taboo and why we persist in staying 30 - 40 years behind everybody else (divorce was introduced in the 60's in Roman Catholic Italy). Is it because you genuinely and fully believe that it should not be the case? Or is it because Joseph Muscat (MLP) and AD came out with these proposals?

Who pays taxes in Malta should have the right to vote. If you live abroad and pay Maltese taxes you should have the right to vote. If you are studying abroad and submit a zero rated tax return as you are not working you should have the right to vote. Pay tax=Right to vote and the age of 16 looks right as one is eligible to work, hence pay taxes at the age of 16.

Why can't we the young people take a vote on this and decide for ourselves if we really won't to lower the the voting age to 16 not you who do not now how we think. Some of you people have insulted our intelligence!!!!!!!!!

@ ABC: Your stupid arrogance is unlimited, reflects exactly the spirit of the side of politics you hail. Just for once at least come up with some unbiased, meaningful, substantiated argument and not with your usual chap talk. And I prefer to be an elf rather than an ogre like you.

PN's hypocracy is unbelievable. For PN exponents to go on stage with minors behind, that's ok, they are mature enogh. Gonzi pompous talks about youngsters are the future and they should be more involved and bla bla bla. Therfore, conclusion is that PN is just cheap talk.

Is this how Mr. Muscat will bring the new political season?. This is a laughable proposal like many others we shall hear in the future from politicians of his type, who have no priorities and no experience. Out of all the defecincies our electoral law has according to Mr.Muscat this is the most important one to tackle. This is only vote buying at a very low and cheap price.

To add insult to injury AD the is agreeing and questining the originalitty of the idea. When I hear such proposals I feel like I want to roll the shutter down and quit on reading any more about our local political scene. But my quest to learn and find how low local politicians can go keeps me reading and sending posts.

@cborg
You say that the proposal is bad becuase the students will vote for the party that offers the most attractive stipend package.
I dont agree with such a statement but then again, so what?
Can't older people vote for the party offers the biggest reduction in income tax? Can't young couples vote for the party that offers the best solutions to their housing problems?
Isnt that what elections and politics are all about?
When so much of the focus during election campaigns falls on Education, why cant the people who are actually living high school or first year university have their say?

Also, it seems like alot of people here are forgetting that this proposal is for local councils not central governemnt. The voters will hardly be shaping policy with regards to university stipends, income tax bands or housing policy will they?

@Joseph Agiuis
Were you still into places like Eurodisney and Theme Parks when you were 16 and 17? That is rather odd and extremely nerdy!

Well done Mr. Tanti!!!!! With your argumentation abilities I wouldn't be surprised you are a Labour Party delegate!!!!

A voting age is a minimum age established by law that a person must attain in order to be eligible to vote in a public election.

The vast majority of countries in the world have established a voting age. Most governments consider that those of an age lower than the chosen threshold lack the necessary capacity to independently decide how to cast a vote. The voting age is often of such importance that it is set by means of a constitutional provision.

At the present time the voting age across the world is typically 18. When the right to vote was first accorded in democracies the voting age was generally set at 21, or in some cases at an even higher level. In the 1970s widespread reform led to a reduction to 18 in a large number of countries. Debate is currently underway in many places on proposals to reduce the voting age below 18.

Joseph Muscat realised that if Labour delegates can vote than anybody can even children. And let's face it, they would have made better choices for sure.

The panic arised among the PN supporters etc. is the usual sensation felt when they usually face a wall. They normally start attacking what stands before them, even the 16-year olds who violently enough, were refferred to as "those who can't yet think"!!!!!!

Malta's labour party is known as that party being first to implement certain modern changes which as time went by, were copied by other countries. This is another example of Muscat's vision for the labour party. Obviously and as usual, the Nationalist party supporters will be opposing such changes as if trying to persuade the public that they still play the role of conservatives. But before rushing to conclusions, it would be ideal for them to hear what Mr.Par Idejn Sodi is going to comment????????

Regarding such ‘progressive’ proposal I sincerely ask if some form of studies have been carried out Dr Muscat on the issue or if he is just copying ideas. The issue here is not if
we trust the our youths or not or if 16 year old's can or cannot think. But I find it hard to understand that on an island that still regards as not fully responsible and therefore ‘unsafe for citizens in general’ the driving by a 16 year old in the streets, someone is proposing that these 16 year old are fully responsible to elect the islands’s government.

In interesting point was mentioned on this blog by Luke Vella re the youth parliament and to this I add the youth local councils that were suppose to elect a youth ‘major’ in every locality that makes proposals to the elected local councils. Do these still exist? What is the feedback taken from such? Are these functioning as originally intended?

@ all those who turned this blog into a crusade vs dr muscat.
Do you mean to say that 16 yr olds are not able to vote for a village mayor?
You must all be 50+ and have completely forgotten what its like to be 16.
@ A Mallia - going to vote 1 afternoon for the village mayor won't stop u from practising sports or take part in eu projects.

Certain rules, laws and regulations enforced lately are just a sign of how detached this goverment is from reality. Paceville is a total mess. I was in a bar last Saturday with a small group of airline managers, the music kept getting lowered everytime PC Plod walked down the road, only to be increased again, I decided to object and every policeman that I spoke to told me that it is a silly law but they have to enforce it. The smoking issue, bottle shops, the nasty rest rooms, does any MP ever go there?

Every country is removing bar curfews, they do not make sense at all, and yet, what does Malta do? I am not surprised with this reaction, after all we do not even trust boys and girls to go to the same schools (pathetic), we also don't trust people to make their mind up about their relathionships and have already decided that women cannot be trusted (if Gift of Life have their way) not just now, but for eternity. I.D. Cards, roadblocks, no wonder so many young Maltese people are so dull and have no personality.

Joseph Muscat must be pretty confident about his planned policies, Labour have struggled with the youth vote for a long time now, when independent television stations in the UK want to know if a new drama or sitcom will do well or not, they check the teen ratings, older people usually catch on.

Certain rules, laws and regulations enforced lately are just a sign of how detached this goverment is from reality. Paceville is a total mess. I was in a bar last Saturday with a small group of airline managers, the music kept getting lowered everytime PC Plod walked down the road, only to be increased again, I decided to object and every policeman that I spoke to told me that it is a silly law but they have to enforce it. The smoking issue, bottle shops, the nasty rest rooms, does any MP ever go there? Every country is removing curfews, they do not make sense at all, and yet, what does Malta do? I am not surprised with this reaction, apart from the fact that we do not even trust boys and girls to go to the same schools (pathetic), we also don't trust people to

A proposal for the local council reform. Local councils should be a reflection of society but they are mostly a glorified flush and brush unit. There are some really effective local councils, the Birgu team are doing an excellent job and there are others.

I really feel that we should encourage everyone to play a part in making their town or village a better place, there are a lot of Brits living in Malta for example that seem to care more about their community than most people born here. The idea to bring politics in local councils (and by that I mean running in the name of a political party) was really silly. It has done so much more harm then good. Free the local councils from this burden. Trust people to choose the right people for the area where they live, local town hall meetings should be enough for locals to bring up their suggestions.

All 16 year olds, you are only suitable to applaud upon instructions on a PN platform before a general election.
But why take it against the PN?
The PN voted against:
giving the vote to women,
was against giving the vote to all 18 year olds,
against a pension to old people,
against the half-yearly bonus,
and the list goes on and on to this very day.

There will come a day when the PN will make this suggestion its own and most PN symphatisers will repeat day after day that they were the ones who gave the vote to 16 year olds.

Dear Daphne Caruana Galizia,
I really don't understand your point and why you have matched the proposal of Dr Muscat with marriage and driving license. You are always against the MLP proposals and there is no doubt about that. I think that now we are in year 2008 and we cannot see everything black of a party and another and the hidden agenda of character assassination must be avoided in order to look forward in a positive way. The voice of the opposition must also be heard because it represents half of the Maltese population .

I Think its a good idea, when the general elections came i went to most mass meetings of both partys and wanted to vote it could of been my first election (which came a year before my 18th b'day)

how ever if i am able to vote to who can be in council or not in my locality that would be great i can get new fresh blood for my town!

so its okay for us 16+ or 16- to go to the rallies and stuff and show support at the local "guzin" but we can't vote? hmmm i am one who aint that political and both had thier good and thier bad what most NATs are afraied is that most teens ara "red" or what some one called me at a nationalists bar a "santi" because i didn't like most of GONziPn's campain... but i have to admit i didn't like most of labours too so there! why dont we teens form out own goverment hmm how about 200,000 votes for that? a good levi i think?

Of Course

Your party was agaist women voting in the past so no wonder? Whats wrong with it? If it was the other way round if it was Gonzi who proposed this it would have been marvelous wont it? Konferenzi stampa/Pompa.../Pozi. Tell you what at least this guy has got got the balls to propose something and he's not afraid of debating, he's just proposing - HIS IDEAS - SIMPLE

eurodisney massmeeting you said? like a PN massmeeting before the election? all those youths dressed in PN gear, bl'imkatar, ux naf jien. They were being used fullstopp

CHARLES DEMICOLI
Hope you're kidding or its me that misunderstood your submission ... INT ORRAJT JEW????

VICTORIA GRECH
What gems hi? eh bilhaqq tal labour kollox hazin jaghmlu! onjoranti dawk!

GERARD MANGION
Leave those kids alone! reminds me of pink floyd! remember??? Hey remember Gonzi & Kate amongst thousands of non voters just before the election? oh how cute ... now you say they cant vote? TAF TISTHI HI?

I cannot really see the necessity for such a reduction, it's fine in all of Europe Austria's minimum age of voting is 16 but so the age of consent their is 14... oh oh let's not go there taboo subject! But even so with the same reasoning, being mature enough & to be more participative in society the same minimum age reduction should apply for those willing to join the police & army & age of consent...I'll halt here to stay 'politically correct', otherwise at least for me all this issue is based of flawed reasoning... with all due respect as this is not a politically biased view but certainly worrysome.

I agree with this proposal because there are sixteen year old who are mature and interested to see improvement in their localities. I dont know why all this negative attitude toward Dr Muscat. I feel really disappointed with such comments by Pn Supporters.

Don't be disingenuous, Malcolm. The right to vote after the age of 18 is sacrosanct, whether you have the IQ of a pigeon or not. You are denied that right only in highly particular circumstances, e.g. if you are certified as insane. My point is that if the legal age of maturity has been set at 18, then it is for the excellent reason that this is when most of us start showing the first signs of having reached adulthood. If you lower the statutory age for one thing - voting - then by extension and using your arguments you will have to lower it for everything else. If people can vote at 16, why can't they drive? Yes, 16-year-olds can marry, but only with the express permission of both parents (because they are under 18), and consent is almost never given. This clause in the law was driven by the now archaic need to arrange marriages of convenience and what used to be called shotgun marriages. The time has come to write it out of the law. At 16, you can't make that kind of decision - because you're not yet an adult.

While at it why not allow13 and 15 year old boys and girls vote as well. I am sure that some of them for their age are pretty intelligent and mature ... they grow so quickly these days!! But wait that is not possible because at that age LEGALLY those teenagers are still under the responsibility of their parents. This is the same thing for 16 year old teenagers. Joseph Muscat said in the article that 'lowering the voting age to 16 from 18 for local elections would be a way of involving young people in local government'. At the moment such 'young' people can get more involved with politics by entering into one of the political groups in their collages. I believe this is more then enough for the 2 years in front of them!!

@ Sandro Pace: indeed a well resoned argument. However I would still maintain that we should try to get rid of the culture of favours because I cannot justify such a situation as an argument for not lowering the voting age.
@ C. Borg: one of the fallacies of arguments is generalising one's own personal experience and making it a general rule, which is precisely what you have done Anyway people vote with their pockets all the time regardless of age.

Why are all the PN supporters so adamantly against this proposal? Isn't the PN supposed to be the party that believes in young people? Can't a seventeen year old be every bit as smart and mature as an older person? Is the seventeen year old who votes PN, out of a sense of conviction and agreement with the principles and policies endorsed by that party, less mature that the old man who votes MLP because that is what his father used to do?

I am what you may call young, and I voted PN in the last election and I find the PN supporters' opposition to be strange, if not downright hypocritical. I wonder what these people would be saying had it been Gonzi who made the proposal... Probably they'd all be singing the beloved leader's praises all over the internet.

One last thing - shouldn't all the people who are against young people voting in local council elections because 'at that age all they should be doing is having fun and they need not bother with politics' also be against the representation of political parties at junior college (in the form of two 'independent' organisations)?

I tend to agree with empowering youths. Neverthless such a proposal would need more research and thought on how effective was in other countries (ie JM mentions some German states). KNZ organises local youth councils; a good start may be to promote more such councils and empower them more to make decisions.

I think such proposal may be beneficial more to PN rather than MLP as PN is much more organised and effective in there outreach to youths. One is still waiting what the famous 'terrimmot' effects will be.....

Some comments put frw the argument that teenage years should be reserved for fun... I think being able to vote, to THINK and to MAKE DECISIONS, doesn't reduces the fun element!

If such a change happens it should be definately coupled with better political education (eg in Social Studies lessons).

Its stupid lowering the voting age to 16.
Fair enough, there is a small proportion of 16year old that would take politics seriously, but be honest; at the end of the day all they would vote for is the party that gives the highest stipend, no matter how preposterous the rest of the political campaign is. I'm saying this because i know that's what i would have done a few years ago.

Although I can't see this issue leading to anywhere I agree with it 100%. And I'm Nationalist. Not an elf. And not conservative.

I mean some bloggers here are being quite hypocritical when they say that 16 year olds are immature and don't know what they're voting for! Are those old people (all respect to them and their families) who can barely move and barely see and who are 'accompanied by one of their family members" while voting conscious of their decision?? Since when does knowing the names of the past Prime Ministers make a person eligible to vote??

.............younger people are more mature than most of you here think....they are not the ones who'll read "in-Nazzjon" or "l-orrizzont", they are the ones who'll weigh their decisions very carefully before they do so, they are not blinfolded by any political Party!!!!!! I personally know a person (OK she's 18) who was brought up in a very Labour family but in the last election voted PN and I'm sure it also happened the other way round!!

............ok maybe this wasn't the best JM could come up with when there are so many reforms on the way.....but still it's a good idea!!

This J.m is Day dreaming, wants to lower age vote to 16, yea the Terremot he is hoping to start !
They are Still MINORENNI and sometimes I feel that even well grown up's need to be More Mature enough !!

this Gimmick reminds me of a sant's selfish vision's wow ! what a herba, J.m is tricking these
16 year old's, Will you win the election's by them NO,
they want to
Keep on with their Education ( they wont fall for this )
the Smart City !
the E.U Options they never had, ecc,ecc !! now you wont want them too, @ 16 Tell You to
get married, Driving licence, Hunting, work as Policeman / AFM, Smoking, Alchahol,there is a too long list to say ! What will you do ? tell them No, You are only GOOD to Vote ONLY ?
What then ? what a way to say INHOBBKOM !!
HEY LEAVE THEM KID'S ALONE !!!
THIS IS PURE NONESENSE
WHATS NEXT !!!

That is a good idea joseph....shall we organise our first mass meeting at euro disney or playmobile theme park?.....remember that if they repeat kinder they would not even have done their o levels!

well...when one answers a pointless comment dear K Grech, the original author may get confused....I must admit that yes, I have committed a mistake...Your mobile comment did not really deserve an answer in the first place...However, your point of giving small things to get votes is rather...Oh well...You know what I mean!>

As for J Vella....not really...I do not see everyone as a labourite or a nationalist, however it sure as hell comes out this way on these blogs would you not agree?

You can even notice certain alliances...Spontaneous? I doubt it

As to myself..well..to be honest, if one delves into my track record.....well...I have been known to heavily criticise Labour in the past.....but then again...that would be telling would it not?

As for the Pn thoughts regarding this matter...I'll bet you that they won't agree.......It seems that the NO syndrome has switched sides! O)

@ Joseph Briffa, are the adults any different?

So 16 year olds (and younger) can enter politics as Gonzi's backdrop during his rallies/meetings.....but they can't vote. The Nats are simply shameless....

Why are you conservatives afraid of the younger ones???

@ Daphne Caruana Galizia:
I'll answer the last point first. If they don't want to get involved in politics they don't have to. Voting is not mandatory.
Through my work I know that middle aged men are in fact the one single group who probably cause the most upheaval to families actually. Shall we deny them the vote? Is naughtiness the basis on which we give people the right to vote anyway? Also bear in mind that all too often when teens step outside the bounds of normal adolescent challenging behaviour they are all too often under the influence of a negative home situation as created by voting adults. But this is outside the discussion to some extent. My experience with teenagers makes me feel quite secure about giving them the right to vote at 16, as a general rule they start to get interested in politics about age 14 and by 16 many of them have formulated many valid ideas about politics, spirituality, ethics and so on. I know for a fact that they discuss these subjects amongst themselves in great depth. Maybe its just adult preconceptions that are in the way here.

@Mr. Malcolm Tortell

It is not even OK for adults to 'talk to the minister' for favours, but it is there. Why start the culture as from school days? Initially I thought a bit before arriving to this reasoning, cause used correctly this proposal may improve schools (assuming that the govt. may want to entice their votes that way, which is nothing wrong).

But the inevitable thing is ( taking myself), that at that age the majority are more rebellious, and discipline may well be sacrificed. We already know the behaviour in some schools.

Lest one confuse things. Not all people that pay taxes in a country has the right to vote in the general election.

And does anyone not think that the government of the day (whoever) will not be tempted to use its schools for some subtle propoganda? with the accusations from the opposition.
Does we not all remember the fuss about MIC campaigns in schools? Considered education by some, and indoctrination by others.

18 is just a good age for general elections and it should not be tempered with. For local councils 16 can do.

I haven't come across one person who stated that they are against the vote at 16 and at the same time implied that it was the PN's stand as well. So please, all you socialists do not come to any conclusions. The fact that I and many others are against kids deciding which political party is to govern is irrelevant and does not represent the PN's policy on the matter. Unlike socialist supporters we have a mind of our own and express ourselves freely. We are not managed by the Party's disciplinary board and we are not narrow minded to agree with whatever the Party states. We never had valid reason to seriously disagree with the Party. The P.N. since day one consistantly stood for our country's independence, our European culture and our place with the rest of Europe. Can Labour say the same? Sorry somebody mentioned Integration with Britain, Caine's Europe, land speculative SmartCity, and many other Uturns. Stop it John, they are going to accuse you of being indoctrinated by the PN media, or showing hatred towards the MLP or still living in the past.

Some time ago Frank Psaila, who at the time was MZPN's (Moviment Zghazagh Partit Nazzjonalista) publicrelations officer, had written an opinion piece regarding this issue. Numerous Eruopean Countries, including Germany and Switzerland have introduced this concept albeit in a minimised form. Well done to Joseph Muscat for taking up MZPN's proposal...altough he is a few months late.

What's wrong with these MLP folks?! First they gave women the right to vote (shudder), then they gave 18-year olds the right to vote (squirm), and now THIS?!? What's next, giving the Maltese-Abroad the right to vote (horrors)?!?!!!!

If I'm not mistaken, I recall Frank Psaila putting forward such a proposal for public debate months ago. I believe the MLP leader has a preset program of proposals to come up with in the coming months so that he'll be continuously on the news. A fellow follower of his PRedecessor.

Here we go again!!!

I remember Dr. Gonzi self proclaiming himself as the hero for the youths. 16 year olds and even younger where always the front liners during the last general election campaign especially during mass meetings. Of course we used to call them our future but now they are just irresponsible children!!

And who is to say that maturity is at 18?? Probably most 16 year olds today have more sense then any diehard blue or red!! And they are definitely way more open minded then most intellectuals on this site

Fact: Most of us of the ‘mature’ and ‘intelligent’ kind, presumably well in our twenties and beyond, have experienced pre and post 1987 politics (some of us have even experienced pre 1971 politics), yet have either always voted blue or red, with the exception of the few who have ventured in the green area and the even fewer few who have had the courage to shift to the ‘opposite’ colour.
I concur wholeheartedly with DCG that 16 year olds should be having fun and not thinking politics, but that is not up to me or her to decide. I would also like to invite Joseph E Briffa to take a look at the nations where his assumed ‘elite’ teenagers come from; at least 35% of their eligible voters do not give a flying kick about politics and have never ever been to a polling booth.
What JM is proposing, is merely a test. Time will tell if this is beneficial to the country or not. Surely, it won’t be of a detrimental ill-factor since, keeping the above-mentioned fact in mind, most of these newly eligible voters will, inevitably be bred to respond only to the colour of their ‘own kind’.

Finally there's someone considering this! It could very well mean an increase in voters; everyone knows that youths are more intense about politics. Anyone doubting this is free to come to junior college during election time; some people (teens I might add) would talk your ear off about their party. I'm most offended that some people accuse us of being mindless, I'm seventeen year old btw. Personally by the time I was eleven I already knew the ways of the party of my choice without anybody telling me anything. By fifteen I had read the Communist Manifesto and other such political works (something I doubt the large majority of people able to vote have done). Plus, aren't there sixteen year old workers out there? If the government increases income tax (that they too have to pay), don't you think they would also like to say: Yes I have voted for this and now I have to deal with it?

Voting for 16 years old. Could this maybe they win the next generel election.

To lower the age of voting 16, I think, would be unfair on them. At that age, the only politics they know of is of having fun, and of studying. Under normal circumstances, 16 year olds cannot really judge costs....whatever they are. Yes, 16 year olds are intelligent, but surely not politically. At that age, they are more prone to be influenced by what they hear, especially their families, rather than by their life experience. And yes, as Daphne said, at that age, which is hell to every parent, their main concern is having fun. What is even more disturbing is the fact that according to the Labour Leader, he is to involve 16 year olds in politics, because " it is becoming increasingly detached from people"!!!! So, he thinks of a solution of "brainwashing" youngsters early!! The labour leader would better ask and try to analyse why people are getting detached from politics. Maybe, it's a question of credibility? Or maybe, the issue is bigger with Labour rather than with the Nationalist Party?

I know, let's have an intelligence test before people are allowed to vote. If you apply Catch-22, which should be mandatory, things will become very interesting.

And before some lil'elve comes on-line to call me elitist, I'M KIDDING.

Though that is not to say that Muscat's notion isn't pretty superficial - a typical "sounds good but has no legs" idea.

the fact is that this is progressive politics and, of course, some conservatives are against it.
I happend to enter university when i was 17 not 18, simply becuase my birthday's in November.
So some people here are telling me im mature enough to start a university degree course but not mature enough to vote in the local election!?
And if i didnt go to university i would have been working. So again, i would have been mature enough to pay taxes, but not mature enough to vote in local councils.
i think that is proposal is very good, with the local councils being an excellent platform.

@Jeremy J Camilleri - what's your point? Exactly?

16 year olds aren't 'intelligent' enough to vote? I do beg your pardon, but that is one of the most elitist comments I've ever heard. I know plenty of people who are around that age who have more open minds than many of the die hards here (from both sides). Kids nowadays have to grow up quicker, since we're faced with a bit of a harsher reality than many of the so-called adults had to face when they were younger. Job prospects, cost of living and housing, and rampant drug abuse are all issues which the younger generation is dealing with that their elders really didn't have to. At least not on this scale.

So 16 year olds are old enough to pay taxes, but not old enough to decide who to vote for to deal with how the government is run. Absolutely brilliant.

If 16 year olds aren't 'intelligent' or 'mature' enough to vote, I would point my finger at many of you, the parents, who brought up their children. If they don't have the intellect to realize what is going in the world around them, the fault lies with the manufacturer.

I do not believe it is a question of whether a 16 year old can think or not. Event a five year old can think; but do you go and trust a five year old do go shopping all by him/her self? No because a five year old is still not mature enough to take such decisions. This is no different. Even some of us adults lack the maturity when going to vote; sometimes seeing an election as no different from a game of football between two teams! A 16 year old is still under full control of his/her parents and is more inclined to succumb to peer-pressure. Additionally what if a 16 year old is caught selling his/her vote? Would the penalty faced by a 16 year be less than that of an 18+ year old? Why? Isn’t this the same type of vote we are talking about? Also I can’t understand why 16 year olds should be given the right to vote so that that can be more in touch to politics. As much as I know at Junior College they can be part of political groups. Isn't this enough to get them in touch with politics?

now surely K Grech...

To earn crdibility you only have to promise the world to everyone...It works...no matter the age....Especially if the promises are backed in writing!
mfarrugia...Government taking bold initiatives?? Could you kindly give us an example?

And excuse my ignorance...but isn't this the same Government that has been in power, minor the 1996 blimp since 1987...?

So much for bold initiatives...

To be fair, the conservative apologetics, are not against the word 'liberlisation'. They are all for the liberalisation of the economy, for example, because they can control the market forces for their own personal capitalist interests. Hence rocketing prices and inflation which they conveniently blame the rising oil and cereal prices for. Are they still rising by the way? But on the other hand a liberal society with enhanced civil rights places all of this under threat because it gives power to the ignorant second class peasant folk and people of that ilk.

Oh, and isn't it well established that 'L-istudenti ma' Gonzi', 'iz-zghazagh ma' Gonzi' and 'kullhadd taht il-kappa tax-xemx ma' Gonzi'? And if everyone is with Gonzi and that with Gonzi 'mohhok mistrieh', 'finanzi fis-sod' u 'Malta genna ta' l-art' than why are Nationalists afraid of 16 year olds voting for local council elections? Maybe they'll win some this time round.

Unbelievable. Young people are already involved in politics without lowering the voting age. Just have a look at the mass meetings that are held before general elections...

Who says that a 16 year old can't yet think? Do you mean to tell me that most of the bloggers underneath are all below this age?
Just try to decipher their writings and one can easily come to the conclusion that they do not write on their own steam but by what they were spoon-fed since being toddlers. Their political history starts in 1971 and ends in 1987.!!!

I'm sorry, Malcolm - while I agree with you on most social matters, I can't agree with you on this one. The legal age of maturity is set at 18 for the very good reason that this is when sense kicks in (as a general principle, of course). Through your work you must know that the most unstable period for boys is that between when they are approaching their 16th birthday and when they turn 18. Those two years are hell for most parents of sons. This is when they are likely to get into the worst possible trouble, as a result of taking the worst possible decisions and acting on impulse. Sure, there are plenty of adults who can't think and who are irresponsible, but that isn't an argument in favour of widening the net to bring in everyone from the irascible hormones demographic. And let's face it, why should 16-year-olds have to think about party politics when what they should be thinking about is having fun? They have the rest of their lives to get political. I think this is all part of the current drive to force adult lives on those who aren't yet adults.

Up till now we have not heard one good suggestion from this new young progressive mexxej.

Now that our country has successfully found its place in the EU after great preparations, there are so much ideas as to how our country can improve, that it is unbelievable that JM comes out with such silly ideas.

For example, although the setting up of Local Councils was a very good idea of decentralistion, most citizens are fed up with the involvement of political parties in the issue. But we have not heard a single comment on the upcoming reform of LCs from JM.

And then we had the brilliant divorce proposal. JM is tackling the divorce issue as an issue which is affecting almost all citizens when many of us will probably not even bother to vote in a referendum on divorce.The problem with not allowing divorce is that couples who do not not choose a Catholic marriage should not be forced to follow rules of Catholic Church and should be allowed to divorce.

And is he consulting his colleagues before coming out with these proposals? It seems he's doing like Alfred Sant, when he proposed a Reception Class without consulting anyone.

@Jeremy J Camilleri. You're so anxious to criticise the PN and to praise the MLP at every step, that you have started slating the PN even before the latter has even spoken on the issue. Just because people express themselves here they are not doing so on behalf of a political party. Well at least some of us aren't.. I can't vouch for the ones who seem to be doing exactly that ;)

PS: Do you always see everyone as either Nationalist or Labourite?

@ A Farrugia - Chortle!!!!! Hilarious!!! You made my day!

One of the first progressive ideas of Dr Muscat, what's wrong in letting young children participate in local politics? I'm really disgusted with some of the anti-labour comments being expressed on this blog especially by the so called 'divine blogger' Daphne Caruna Galizia, youre giving us a good example that even voters of 50 years and over may lack some common sense!
A clear line of definition with future politics aspired by Labour Party and jammed conservatism injected by pathetic anti-labour bloggers. PN' dont get so much stuck in the past it's 2008, youre not discussing the 1961 Constitution. Gonzi's party is becoming 'IL-partit tal-LE' when facing such innovative ideas!

Keep it up Dr Joe Muscat!!

Our 16 year-olds are very immature..One can't compare them with German or Italian 16 year-olds who come to Malta to study English. Our teenagers, with very exceptions, can only speak about Paceville and their love affairs. The few teenagers whose horizon stretches beyond our shores are called nerds by their colleagues. Very few are well-read; most of them are only interested in their Ipods and mobiles. And here I am talking of teenagers who pass their Matsec exams and are preparaing for their As. The others are completely ignorant of what goes on in the world. They have never heard of Sarkozy or Angela Merkel, Putin or G Brown; they don't read the papers, or watch BBC or RAI news; their knowledge of history comprises the Knights of St John maybe..They can't keep any kind of intelligent conversation, they speak halting English, if that, and are only interested in love affairs. Most of our teenagers have never been abroad and, if they have, they have been to Disneyland. What can you expect from teenagers who come from ignorant families and spend their time at school day-dreaming, or worse still fooling around? How can Joseph come out with such stupid ideas?

@Chris Borg

Avant garde of Maltese politics? Are you serious? Jason, Toni, Anglu - call these avant garde - different I would accept but avant garde? Geezzzzzzzzz

What a brilliant progressive idea. ONE mobile can give out free SIM cards and offer lower SMS and calling charges to all 'potential voters' to convince them that in the absence of anything tangibly better than the PN the MLP are ..... ummm....better!

As they said below - you have to earn credibility not buy it rhough cheap gimmicks!!!

16 year old's are Junior College, Mcast and Higher secondary Students. and there are people who dare to say that they cannot think?

Vey well said, proset Maria Farrugia

That is real progressive politics. Labour once again on the side of the people without a voice in society. That is new thinking, that is being positive, that is leaving the PN trailing behind.

DCG well done... you have proved that PN never changes. Opposed the vote for women, 18-year olds, etc.

To all bloggers, let 16 year olds know that the PN (clearly through DCG) believe 16-year olds can't yet think.

dsfI wonder how brilliant this idea is. We will also manage to politicise our schools from such a young age. Imagine our secondary schools at election time. We already have politics in our village festas, local councils etc. Do we really need it in our schools as well?

Maybe JM would do well to think about changes that will really make our life change for the better, not just cosmetic changes. Maybe he is finding it hard, since the Govt is taking bold initiatives, which are leaving JM short of ideas. He would do better to first effect the much awaited necessary changes in his party for the real good of the country, before coming out with these silly ideas.

ONCE AGAIN the Nats are against giving the right to vote to youths. In the 70s they opposed Labour's initiative to lower the voting age to 18 from 21. And once again Labour has occupied its traditional place as the avant-garde institution of Maltese politics.

How typical to just put forward an idea without giving it too much thought.

A 16 yr old is still legally a minor. Is he also suggesting that the age of adulthood is lowered to the age of 16.. with all the consequences that it brings with it. Or is he suggesting that a 16 year old will be able to vote (and thus decide on our future) but will need his parents' permission to enter into civil obligations, and still be unable to smoke, drink, etc.

I agree with G. Camilleri below. This is just a gimmick and a stunt.

Its a pretty good idea in my opinion. And the maturity argument in a country like this where we polarise everything and politicians behave like schoolchildren is frankly ridiculous.
@ Joe Pace: we could use a few sexy politicians I reckon!
@ Daphne: 16 year olds can't think? Since when? They can, and often have a refreshing perspective on situations which us grown ups would do well to pay attention to!
@ Sandro Pace: so its ok for adults to "talk to the minister". If we want kids to behave differently then we should lead by example. The issue is that the culture of favours exists not that some people will take advantage it.
@ Malcolm Seychell: your last sentence is incongruent with the rest of you argument, if in fact you made an argument.

Cheap stunt Dr Muscat. You come up with a crazy notion that will seem credible to those that today cannot vote but will have a vote by the next election. Show some credibility not cheap stunts!

Haha. Aren`t these the same people that opposed voting rights to non landowners, women, the 18 year olds and so on. Sometimes they come back. Thumbs of for Joseph Muscat. I am sure that most people when they read such comments will go open-mouthed with astonishment. But hey. Lets not question these Nationalist conservatives dogmas. All liberals and progressives in this country will be fought, wiped out, put in their boxes and locked away. the so-called Dark Ages are back with us.
The Labour Party under the leadership of Joseph Muscat stands for individual aspiration and getting on in life, social compassion and helping others.

What a STUPID idea.
Allow juveniles to vote?!?!?!
At 16 they are still minors and not mature enough to make their own decisions or to manage their own business, let alone decide who is to manage their country!
Heck, if 16 is good enough for Mr Muscat, why not 14 then?
Silly.

Bill Millam
Los Angeles

I agree wholeheartedly with proposal. At 16 one can work, pay taxes, get married or continue to study yet we are not entitled to vote.

With regards to political immaturity this an unfounded argument. Maturity especially politically does not come automatically with age. 16year olds are quite active in politics if they are encouraged to participate (just look at the Junior College council elections).

This would be a great step forward in getting youngsters involved in politics and also be interested about what is going on in this island.

The local councils would be a perfect testing ground for such proposals.

On reading some comments left hereunder I feel like I was taken back in time before 1947, when the proposed voting rights to women were being discussed in the new constitution.

What is wrong if Dr. Muscat is keen to involve young people and get their political participation at local level? As a 16 year old, I would be delighted if am given some grown-up attention, and have my views heard.
I do believe that 16 years old may give much more than providing a nice picture at mass meetings. In some foreign countries youths are given lessons in “taking part in political and democratic debate” (as seen on TV), there is someone who thinks that our children will learn?

As far as I know in Malta 16 year old are even allowed to get married (for life), therefore should this should not be considered seriously? Just look at it as an attempt to inject some new life into a tired political system.

History it seems, really does tend to repeat itself.

The same folks..or perhaps relatives of the Nationalist democrats who were up in arms against the Labour party allowing women and 18 year olds the right to vote are up in arms again.

In my brief stint as an electoral commissioner, I was shocked to see the amount of very old folks, showing absolutely no interest in the futre, carted to the polling booth by overzealous family members, who waited enthusiastically outside.

Some people obviously had no idea who, or what they were voting for.

And yet, we believe that a 16 year old is even less capable of voting maturely! Shameful!

As to the idotic comments regarding vote grabbing...it is strange to see nationalist zealots stating that this is vote grabbing by Dr. Muscat!

Why so? with the brilliant showing of Gonzi and co, I am sure that they shall all vote Pn.......

As you folks like to say..Hanzir taqtaghlu denbu.....

How funny it would be to publish all the Nationalists' blogs here in some sort of encyclopedia full of jokes!! Ironically they're attacking Muscat about "polarisation and partisan politics" while they have turned such blog into a partisan anti-labour one. They have not even recognised that this is not a political issue, but one which would need a free vote like the divorce issue.

Yes, I agree that Muscat has thrown back the PN into its former leftist shadows. Further confirmed when one considers pn's bloggers here insulting 16-year olds as without sense. Vote or not, these teenagers are already fighting politics at school, especially when the time of an election nearby. The local level is even more appealing for this proposal to be intorduced since even in primary schooldays, smaller children are encouraged to do something for the benefit of their locality. It is also a benefit for the locality to elect the right councilors.

I have to express my admiration to Yanica Chetcuti - leaving partisan matters out is the way forward to set up a modern democracy. After all no Nationalist could blame her; remember EFA fishing for votes by lowering the age of carrying weapons??????????

@ DCG - Well, it seems they can count on your vote then.

And yes, perhaps he should also propose raise party leaders age to over 40!!!!

lots of young people do not now that a youth parliament is held every year!!!!
If more promotion is given to this initiative more and more youths can give their contribution to politics. im currently taking pert in this year edition.

those who want to attend the parliamentary session this is being held on 12th September form morning till noon. (seeing Maltese youths give their contribute to politics)

I do not propose to enter the debate on this one. However, just one point. many are questionning the credibility, the suitability and maturity of voters who are just 16. I would go a step further and question the credibility, maturity and suitability of the whole of the electorate in having retained the Nationalist Party in Government for 20 years - and everybody can read into that what they want! Certainly, the teeney-boppies can't do any worse than that...

Maybe this is why Labour wanted to introduce the pregrade extra class? So children would be mature enough to vote in the General elections by the time they are 16! Why don't we ask these kids to vote on issues like the introduction, or not, of divorce as well?

It looks like the elves have come out to defend il Lijder! With all due respect to 16 year olds, they lack the political maturity to make an informed choice. They are the future and they have opinions but getting children to contribute to this choice is ill conceived. The rate of maturity moves at an accelerated rate throguh a person's teens and there will be those at 16 who will have the political maturity to make an informed choice but the vast majority will not.

If this is the new political season and this is the best Dr Muscat can come up with then we are in for a pretty boring set of proposals from Dr Muscat. I suggest he goes back to his thnk tank to come up with much better considered proposals. The intellectual divide between the MLP and PN leadership gets wider by the day.

If I remember correctly, the PN was also against lowering the voting age to 18 when that idea was first mooted.

What is wrong with involving 16-year olds in the affairs of their community?

I think that it could help them through making them feel that their opinion matters; it would make them more involved in the affairs of their community and would allow them to see first hand the effect of their choices vis-a-vis the results / promises scenario.

Surely this would stand them in good stead when later, at age 18, they would be choosing for the entire country, not just their community.

If this was to be implemented we would have the sexiest people in parliament.

Get real people, 16 year olds are not mature enough. If they are maturing before why then do we have the paceville problem (young alcoholics casual sex drugs etc) Im not saying that all 16 year olds are like that but at that age you tend to be care free im 19 btw.

Unfortunately maturity is not the issue, INTELLIGENCE is. There are thousands of 18+ voters out there who do not have enough brain cells to try reasoning out and come to a learned conclusion of whom best to vote for. Whatever their Leader says, they follow like sheep! Even down a cliff if needs be. EVERYONE should be a floating voter. So in my opinion you should be able to vote as soon as you're born, as long as you pass an IQ test. It does not make any sense that an idiot has the same voting power as that of an informed, intelligent person. Sadly I know this dream will never become true - there's too few of the latter to win a referendum!

This Parliament first met on 11th May 2008. So the next election can be held as late as Saturday, 10th August 2013. This ridiculous proposal therefore means that today's 11 year olds suddenly become targets to be pandered to by political pimps.

This is a very interesting proposal. Having the right to vote at 16 certainly does not mean that youth suddenly lose their "pristine innocence" of childhood. Also do not forget that there are political organizations such as Pulse and SDM in Junior College. Do you want to abolish those too? Not to forget all the politics that seeped into secondary schools and colleges prior to EU accession - wasn't that of a political nature? I personally agree 100% with this proposal and I think it is important to give the youth in their mid-teens a choice rather than no choice at all - at least at a local level. From my personal perspective I had started to take an interest in politics when studying philosophy, history and systems of knowledge in college which then blossomed on entering university. If I had the right to vote at that time, I would certainly have used it.

At age 9/10, young people decide their future in the junior lyceums exams. If you pass, you mghit have a bright future. If you don't pass, you have a big chance of ending doing an odd job for life. At age 16, young people are intelligent enoguh to choose their future for life, by choosing whether or not to complete education and choosing a course/college.

Dr.Muscat being progressive again.

As mentioned by Mr John Saliba, the act of voting is a right of a full citizen like other acts for eg driving. Therefore if a 16 year old is still not entrusted to possess a driving licence and drive a car in a street, I cannot see how the same person can be trusted to the full with the country’s political future. This although it is very important that teens, like other citizens, keep updated with political activity so that when the time comes, they can make a mature choice.

I think that such a statement coming from a party, having its Gen. Secretary that till some months ago did not knew what was the total of new votes in the general election was purely opportunistic. This because the MLP most probably have indications of weak support within teens that eventually will be potential voters by the next general election. Therefore by such a statement Dr Muscat and his party are only trying to attract new support within a new generation and not because they truly believe in this issue.

I was almost 23 years of age when I cast my first vote for a general election, a couple of years after my first vote for the local council, which served well as a practical experience.

I believe that the present 16 year old are more intelligent than most of those who have the right to vote. Therefore I agree with Dr. Muscat that at local level the age should be lowered. Maybe someone will explain to me what is wrong for the local council to hear the views of young people and children, who have interest in their locality? At that age I had much more interest in what was going on at the village, than today that return home only to sleep.

If I am not mistaken, 16 year olds can vote in Jersey, and the Isle of Mann in the UK.

I disagree with this premise. People are too young and generally immature below the age of 18 to clearly evaluate the needs of our country and see the global picture.
They would be simply swayed by trivial promises.

Welcome back the gimmicks... Joseph Muscat is just taking over where Alfred Sant had left... Muscat knows there isn't a chance in hell that such a proposal would be implemented. This is just a gimmick to try and win over today's 16 year olds who by next election will be of voting age anyway.

What about showing the electorate some respect instead huh?

Joseph wants all things the way James Bond enjoyed his favourite drink "Stirred not shaken". He hasn't got the guts to take a decision, so he wants everything to be discussed and considered without coming clean as to declaring what he stands for. He is not against privatization but not prepared to say he condemns GWU threats. He is not against divorce, but does not want to declare that Labour is in favour of divorce. He wants our youth to continue further their education, as according to him we fall behind EU levels and now he wants to distract the youth in offering them positions as councillors. Does he realize that voters are to judge the government's performance over the full term in office. This means that 11 year olds will be expected to make political judgements? Poor Joseph, his political immaturity shows.

Oh la la the behold the desperate attempt at the garnering of votes! Most 16 year olds are too young and (understandably so) to make a decision for their own future, let alone one for the benefit of their country.

Sorry, do not agree. Too young to vote. Even at 18 many of them do not know what is going on. Just imagine at 16. Just ask them to mention the various Ministers of Malta. 90% wouldn't mention them all. Let us not go to extremes.

Well, after reading some of the psots below I must say that I am quite surprised! So are you (people like DCG) saying that people at the age of 16 are still unable to take decisions?? Or, are you saying that they cannot think??? Come on.. get serious!

I firmly beleive that most of the times the younger a person is the more he can take un un-biased decision. Take for example Daphne Caruana galizia. She's not 16. But does that mean that she is thinking before voting?

Just to quote Sir Winston Churchill "The biggest argument against democracy is a five minute discussion with the average voter."
I shudder to think what that discussion would be like with a 16 year old.

Get a grip! 16 and 17 year olds are either paying taxes or else studying to get into university.
I think they can handle voting for village mayor.

In my opinion this is a confirmation that Malta is doing well and it is on the right path doing progress as the government say. Mr. Muscat, as the leader of the opposition couldn't find anything, to criticize the government or better still suggest to the Maltese. Mind you it is a good proposal but not one of priority.
A.M. San Gwann.

I still can't understand why some people act like this. Malcolm Seychell why should voting interfere with our studies? We live a political life all day long because we face our problems too!! You said it yourself “study and to take the right decision for their future”, we have to take decision for our future, voting for the government that is going to lead us for the future 5 years is a decision for our future.
Here’s the truth, the Nationalist party was trying to send the message during the last election that they are a pro-youth party, let’s now STOP chatting and START ACTING what we really believe in.
Daphne Caruana Galizia being 16 years old doesn’t mean you can’t think, there are grownups who can’t yet think, if you really believe that 16 year old people can’t think I guess you’re one of them.

Why doesn't Joseph suggest lowering the age to 12 years? Don't make us laugh with preposterous proposals!

Voting at age 16. Does he know what he's saying. Immaturity speaks. Look around you and you see the magnificent results. Do you want to politicise the whole of
Malta now, even kids? Silly. Just take a look at the Juniour College and see for yourselves all the results. partisanship all around you. No Joseph, you do not have any logical policies. First the MDD appearance, now this vote @16. Give politics a break please.

Is he serious?? I was hoping today was April Fool!! And this was a joke!

16 cannot do any thing without their parents consent. I think it is better to start giving the right to vote to Maltese living abroad. Can Mr. Muscat tell us if he fully agrees?

Mr Muscat is trying his best to attract youngsters to MLP, but proposing voing rights at the of 16 is rather useless.The argument is weak, MLP should invite youngsters to cont studing, practising sport, participate in EU projects and then at 18 they'll be ready to contribute to whole nation, to elect a government that guarantees high standard of living.

@ daphne. hate to be personal but are you telling us that when your boys were 16 they couldn't yet think? let's comment on this proposal with an open mind.
btw .....gordon brown in the UK is thinking along the same lines

Dear Dr Muscat let's change the importing things first to make our electoral system as just and democratic as possible. There is still too much polarisation to consider lowering the voting age to 16. However I think that those who are 18 just before an election should be allowed to vote. Hundreds of 18 year olds are unable to vote unless their name appears on the electoral register which is published every 6 months. At this day and age there are surely ways and means how this problem could be solved.

@Daphne Caruana Galizia
Is Joseph Muscat trying to prove the point that the Labour Party depends for its success on the votes of those who can't yet think? - unquote.

There is a cross party discussion in UK, and if agreed by all, voting rights at the age of 16 will eventually be introduced, albeit to say, that it will take years to be implemented.

What is wrong with discussion and showing one's views?

Why doesn't one suggest Gonzi to raise the voting age to 21, and maybe suggest to deny the voting rights to all WOMEN as one's party used to believe, before Labour started to introduce REAL DEMOCRACY on these Islands of ours?

It's amazing how some people shoot themselves in the foot by suggesting, that at the present time, our 16 year olds are coming out of school without any knowledge (or is it brains) to choose between right and wrong!

Just because someone's son behaves in an immature mummy's boy when attending a gathering at a University, it does not mean that ALL 16 year olds are like that.

Dr Muscat told us that dockyard workers should have a right to be employed with a government company

Now he wants people of 16 years to vote

What next?

Is this the terromot he promised us?

Let these young people finish school and invest their time to study and to take the right decision for their future.

Desperate times (or people) need desperate measures!!!

Probably Mr. Muscat is having too many sleepless nights thinking of how he will someday manage to win the top seat. I cannot believe that a political leader believes that a sixteen year old is mature enough to make a decision that will effect the countries future

Talking of Political Immaturity!!!

I hope that the Nationalist Party led by Lawrence Gonzi agrees with Joseph Muscat. I am 16 years old and will definetely be voting next time round. During the last general election campaign, together with my friends I joined those young people that stood on stage at every Mass meeting. Yes right. One of those young people that believed in Gonzi`s Flimkien kollox possibbli. I strongly believe that all youth at my age are responsible and mature enough to vote in our country`s best interest. Yes, those who today are 12 years old should vote in the coming general election.

Haha another of Dr Joseph Muscat's gems!

This reminds of televoting for "Song for Europe": any teeny-bopper with a mobile can chose how we spend our tax-money ... and to hell with how good the song really is; let's just vote for the guy/gal who looks sexy!

The right to vote shuld be left as is, or raised to an age of 21 years.

I agree with Muscat. Today teens are maturing before - some in the wrong direction others in the right direction - and we should give them a voice.

I thought PN is pro youth. Does PN trust the youths?!! or is it just talk

Whilst admitting that personally I am against the age of 16 for voting rights, I have to say that such a move would automatically put the issue of education on top of the national agenda where it deserves to be. We've had a stagnant educational system for far too long, with "adults" opting for the status quo in education with the eventual kickback on the youthhood of our kids.
For all those demonising this proposal, I suggest that if they really believe that at 16 youths are still to be considered as immature, they should give curfews to their children and not let them roam around in the streets of Paceville up to the early hours of the night. Let us be coherent....we cannot consider them immature for politics but mature enough for late night-outs in adult clubs !
I still believe that we should look abroad to see what decisions are being taken in this context on the European continent. It may well be that Europe will decide for us on this issue in the not so distant future.

I am loving it. Why is it being so easy for Joseph Muscat to push forward his progressive vision for Malta and for the Nationalist Party to be sidelined to its conservative far right position ? Thanks to the Nationalist Party apologists (read their pathetic comments below) the dividing lines between Muscat and Gonzi are becoming evident. The forces of conservatism are back. The Nationalist Party is becoming il-Partit tal LE

Well done Joseph. Never thought it was going to be so much easy for you to push forward a vision for Malta where the extraordinary talent of the Maltese people is liberated from the forces of conservatism that so long have held them back, to create a model 21st century nation, based not on privilege, class or background, but on the equal worth of all.

I agree with the labour leader . Altough i have always voted for the nationalist party as I think that they are the party most capable to lead Malta in the right direction I always welcome sensible propositions from the Labour party. If our kids are made to sit and take exams that can determine their future than why not vote at 16? I believe that politics should be discussed at an early age at school and by that I do not mean talking about MLP, PN or AD, but political ideologies like liberalism, socialism and the rest. The argument about 16 year olds being easily influenced does not make sense as I personally know 30, 40, 50, and 60 year olds who are easily influenced. They have all the right to vote because it will be their own future they will be voting for. Unfortunately some people have decided to diss everything Labour proposes. Same old same old. Dr.Muscat, propose as well that their should be more discussions about different cultures and religions in school so maybe this wave of racism will die out and you will gain a lot of credibility with me.

The problem with such a decision for General Elections would be that children aged 12 would have to start evaluating the differences between the politics of the different parties. Do you think that the majority of children at that age would be interested in analysing the differences? I agree that political parties should encourage participation and include people from all ages (including 16 year-olds) and all sectors of society in their policy formulating, however, children should also be left enjoying their quite short childhood.

The normal voting age everywhere in the world seems to be 18. 16 is almost childhood yet, and a school-leaving age. By 18, a person would have already taken important decisions and enhanced life experience to more maturity (work, further education, independence, status), and hence a more appropriate age for voting.

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