Studenti Demokristjani Maltin – SDM has expressed its concerns regarding the fact that youths aged 16 and 17 will not be given the right to vote in “the much anticipated referendum on whether spring hunting is to be abolished or retained,” which will take place on the 11th of April.

SDM said in its statement that as things stand, youths in the ages aforementioned will still be voting in the Local Council Elections held on the same date.

“Whilst agreeing with the decision that these elections are to be held on the same date, we believe that it is a perfect chance for the Government to make this historical vote much more valuable. By giving youths aged 16 and 17 the chance to express their voice by voting in a referendum which is not to be politicised and concerns the well being of the Maltese environment, the young voters would be given a chance to cast their first vote in a logical manner, undisrupted by political agenda.”

SDM concluded by saying that, “although the petition was submitted before the legislative changes, we ask the Government to reconsider this decision and take the necessary steps required to give the youths a chance to make their voices count in this referendum. This would be a great step forward for our country which builds on the work previously done in being a reformative and modern state.”

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