Allowing youths to vote 'widens democratic rights' - Buontempo

A disarmingly casual Justice Minister Owen Bonnici this morning announced the "historical" move to allow 16-year-olds to vote during the Local Council Elections, in a development that is being marketed on social media under the '#FirstTime' banner.

Bonnici, eschewing formal attire for the occasion, and subjecting himself to a game of Wii tennis - which he lost 40-15 to a student - was flanked by the Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Stefan Bunontempo and Parliamentary Secretary for Youths Chris Agius, during an event at the Msida Junior College addressed to students and the media and hosted by Gianni Zammit.

Buontempo said his discussions with youths on the matter made him realise how keen some of them were to participate in their respective local communities.

"We should also remember that apart from Austria, Malta will be the only EU country to allow 16-year-olds the right to vote in local council elections. This is a historical step for our youths, and for the country as a whole - we are now widening the democratic right to vote, and all youths would do well to seize this opportunity," Buontempo said.

Chris Agius described the move as an "evolutionary step".

"First it was only the nobility who could vote, and then men of all classes were given that right. After that, it was women... this is another step in that process," Agius said, adding that "the first time is always the most exciting time for anything".