PL still unsure on whether to extend general election voting rights to 16-year-olds - KNZ

The Labour Party is still unsure on whether 16-year-olds will be granted the right to vote at the next general election, a statement issued by the National Youth Council said.

The council asked all parties to say what their intentions are when the matter is brought to the vote.

The Nationalist parliamentary group, as well as independent MP Giovanna Debono, informed the council that they shall be supporting the motion once it is tabled and a vote is taken.

On the other hand, the government whip answered in the name of the Labour parliamentary group, saying that “this year there will be a consultation process with the aim of analysing the extension of granting voting rights to 16-year-olds to MEP elections and the general election.”

Last September, the KNŻ president along with the presidents of ADŻ, FŻL, MŻPN, Pulse and SDM asked for a parliamentary debate on the right to vote for 16and 17-year-olds to be extended to all elections prior to the election which will take place in 2018, in a joint letter.

Since then, the KNŻ has written to all Members of Parliament to find out what their intentions are on the motion, which was presented late last year by Partit Demokratiku Leader Marlene Farrugia and Opposition whip David Agius.

KNŻ calls once again, like it did last September together with all youth and student political organisations, for an immediate discussion on the subject in Parliament and for this proposal to be implemented before the next general election in 2018.

In a statement, Partit Demokratiku said it supported KNŻ, ADŻ, FŻL, MŻPN, Pulse and SDM’s call for an immediate parliamentary debate. Partit Demokratiku believes that such a right should not be delayed to after the upcoming election. Youths have already been granted a right to vote in local council elections. It is time to take it a step further and grant voting rights to 16- and 17-year-olds for the upcoming elections. If youths are fit to vote for local councils, then they are also fit to participate in elections which will have a greater impact on their future.

Alternattiva Demokratika Żgħażagħ reiterated its support for a vote 16 in all elections.

ADZ said that Alternattiva Demokratika had been campaigning for a vote 16 since 2008. It was pleased that finally all political youth and student organisations, as well as the National Youth Council, were backing this proposal.

Alternattiva Demokratika Żgħażagħ spokesperson Marc’ Andrea Cassar further stated: “We fully back KNŻ’s proposal. Parliament should be discussing vote 16 now, so that 16-year-olds can vote in the next general election. We will keep putting pressure on parliament so that next year young people will be able to have a say in their future.”