The government’s refusal to extend the right for 16 and 17year-olds to vote in the referendum on spring hunting has been met with dismay by a number of organisations within the National Youth Council ( KNŻ). But what really angered several organisations were the views expressed by the president of the KNŻ and the fact that the youth council has not yet taken an official stand on the issue.
The Malta Independent is informed that several organisations approved a declaration expressing serious concern at the current state of affairs. The declaration was made after a meeting took place early last week.
Some of the organisations in favour of youths being granted the right to vote in national referenda, EP elections and general elections are the Kunsill Studenti Junior College (KSJC), UĦM Youths, ADZ, Youth for the Environment, MŻPN and SDM.
The declaration made during the meeting referred to the concept of a referendum as a vital part of Maltese democracy. The declaration further stated that 16and 17-year-olds now have the right to vote in local council elections, but on the other hand are being denied the right to express themselves on an issue which is of national interest. This situation was described in the declaration an anomaly and also causes serious doubts as to whether youths are truly believed in. The declaration, furthermore, urged the KNŻ to demand an urgent meeting of the Vote 16 Committee on the matter.
Informed sources said that during the meeting, there was strong opposition to this declaration by the representatives of the Labour youth wing, FŻL, and the youth wing of the General Workers’ Union. Sources told this newsroom that the KNŻ president, who also serves as the secretary of the GWU Youths, also resisted the declaration.
The same sources said that despite the declaration having being approved by a majority, KNŻ has so far failed to take any action on the matter and has kept the status quo. Twelve organisations voted in favour, while seven voted against the declaration.
Sources said that although the declaration was approved, Mr Micallef’s interpretation made most of those present during the meeting feel that he has the final word on the issue.
Meanwhile, when contacted for a comment, a spokesman for the KSJC told this newsroom that it did not make any sense for Mr Micallef, who represents the KNŻ – which itself represents youths – to state that youths needed to be educated on voting in other elections and referenda.
“If youths are mature enough to vote during local council elections, then they should be considered mature enough to vote in other elections, and the upcoming spring hunting referendum should not be an exception.
“There are a number of youths at Junior College who would like to cast their vote in the referendum but are being denied the opportunity,” the spokesman added.
Micallef says still ‘premature to reveal stance’
Contacted by this newsroom to answer to the above-mentioned claims, Mr Micallef said it is still early to say what stand KNŻ will be taking on the matter.
“We have discussed the issue and there were organisations who are for and against. We are still reviewing the suggestions of all those involved and we will take into consideration the views aired during the meeting.
“These are internal matters, as no official stand has been taken yet; we are still reviewing whether we are going too fast on the issue or whether it is late in the day.”
Pressed to say if it is the case that he vehemently opposed the declaration, he said that he will not say who is for and against until an official stand is taken.
He referred this newsroom to a survey conducted by Aġenzija Żgħazagħ, where individuals over 18 years of age participated, which shows that many are still sceptical as to whether 16- and 17-year-olds should be granted the right to vote during general elections or referendums.