The Electoral Commission of Malta is reviewing a proposal to extend election flights to additional airlines, following a request from the Nationalist Party (PN) ahead of the May 30 general election. The initiative aims to help Maltese citizens living or working abroad exercise their right to vote.
Last week, KM Malta Airlines announced special €90 return flights for voters abroad, enabling them to return to Malta in time for the election. However, several voters reported difficulties reaching the line, while others said flights were already fully booked.
The PN has formally written to the Electoral Commission, urging it to ensure all eligible Maltese and Gozitan citizens abroad have the opportunity to vote. The party requested that arrangements with KM Malta Airlines be extended to other airlines, allowing more voters to return to the country.
“No one should be deprived of their democratic right to vote in a general election,” the PN said. “The Electoral Commission — whose duty is to ensure voters are given every possible opportunity — must take immediate action in this regard.”
The Electoral Commission confirmed receipt of the request and said the matter would be discussed in the coming days. It noted that decisions on election flights involve multiple stakeholders, including KM Malta Airlines, and do not rest solely with the commission.
Earlier, the Momentum party called for a fair and accessible booking system for voters abroad. While acknowledging the discounted fares offered by KM Malta Airlines, Momentum criticized the reliance on a single telephone hotline that struggled to handle demand. The party urged the introduction of a reliable online booking system and multiple booking channels, along with timely communication to voters.
“Democracy must be accessible to all,” Momentum said. “Administrative shortcomings should never prevent citizens from exercising their right to vote.”
The discussion over expanding election flight arrangements highlights the ongoing efforts to balance logistical challenges with the democratic rights of Maltese citizens living overseas.
