It’s official, for the first time in Malta’s history, 16-year-olds will be allowed to vote in national elections from 2019. This was announced by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat during a visit to Giovanni Curmi post-secondary school in Naxxar.
Their first chance to vote will be in the upcoming MEP elections. After this, they will have the right to vote in the general elections. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that the law allowing their right to vote will be brought in front of Parliament in March.
He also stated that this would lead to the inclusion of 8,000 new voters in the electoral register, all of which will be 16-year-olds. Malta will be the second European country to allow 16-year-olds to vote, following Austria.
Some parents have expressed concern that their children, now as young as 11 years old may be targeted by politicians in a bid to influence their vote in the upcoming elections. Others have applauded the decision for helping to empower today’s youth.
Do you think 16-year olds should have the right to vote? Sound your views in the comments section below.
Facebook Comments
