I am a Maltese citizen with the right to vote. Ironically I cannot express this democratic right and duty since at the moment I am finishing my studies in Canada.

I think this is an unacceptable situation for Maltese citizens to have their right to vote constricted and determined by an airline’s operation and feasibility. Malta, like other states, has embassies and consulates that can easily collect the votes of their citizens. Why not make use of our own resources?

A political party has the obligation to defend, protect and facilitate the democratic, fundamental right to vote. I sincerely hope that the political parties will publicly promise to change this undemocratic system of voting and opt for a more just and inclusive voting system.

North America and many other European countries have developed a more inclusive system whereby citizens can express their right to vote in whatever country they find themselves in. I think we have to update our voting system for a more modern and inclusive one. We are living in an age where technology can be used to make the system more just. What are we waiting for to change an obsolete system that is not in tune with the needs of today’s citizens?

I want to conclude my democratic lament by asking directly the Maltese political parties what their position is about offering the possibility for eligible Maltese citizens either to vote through embassies and consulates or via the Internet.