SDM would like to express its satisfaction at the majority of the new proposals introduced to the National Children’s Policy. However, we find ourselves immensely disappointed at the proposal to introduce the right for 16 year-olds to vote in all elections, only as from the year 2024.
We have always been strongly in favour of giving 16 year-olds the right to vote in all elections which take place on a National, and also European level. Complementing the idea, we strongly believe that a solid structure wherein students are educated in the best possible manner as to the importance of their voting rights and active participation in society should be introduced in early education. Our stand on this issue has been firm ever since the launch of the Vote16 campaign, and even more so in last year’s Local Council Elections and Spring Hunting Referendum.
Thus, as SDM we would like to fully endorse the stand taken by National Youth Council (KNZ – Kunsill Nazzjonali taz-Zghazagh), and call for the immediate entitlement of vote 16 in all Elections.