Adwan Slams Lebanon's Political Stagnation: A Push for Expat Voting Rights
Amid the simmering political climate in Lebanon, Lebanese Forces MP Georges Adwan has taken a bold step, criticizing Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Speaker Nabih Berri for their procrastination related to the expat draft law. This law is pivotal for Lebanon’s large diaspora population as it could permit voting for all 128 parliamentary seats, a significant shift from the current law.
A Ten-Day Delay Sparks Outcry
The process, mired with delays, saw Salam taking ten days just to sign the urgent draft law and another ten to send it to parliament. This sluggishness comes after the cabinet approved a proposal to amend the existing electoral law, which currently restricts expat voting to only six seats.
The delay has not gone unnoticed, with MP Adwan explicitly pointing fingers in an interview, urging Berri to bring this matter to the parliament floor for a vote.
Political Friction Erupts
Resistance isn’t only within governmental corridors; it’s also ideological. Hezbollah and Amal factions proclaim that their international campaigning abilities are stifled compared to their domestic rivals, arguing against the proposed amendments. This adds another layer of complexity as the opposing forces vie for political leverage.
Diverging Perspectives
In defense, Berri articulated that electoral laws, being constitutional in nature, require thorough debates and possibly need to be vetted by joint parliamentary committees. “These matters can’t simply be rushed,” he insisted. However, Adwan’s response sees this as a reluctance to embrace democratic evolution.
Democracy at Stake?
The stakes are high, with parliamentary elections slated for May 2026. Any hindrance is seen as a potential threat to Lebanon’s democratic fabric. LF leader Samir Geagea has exacerbated tensions, accusing Berri of fearing democracy itself. Berri’s sarcastic retort, “I am very scared,” only adds fuel to an already volatile situation.
As the political dance in Lebanon continues, the spotlight remains on Adwan’s camp, echoing frustrations and cries for change from the Lebanese diaspora and at home. According to Naharnet, the future of democracy in Lebanon hangs in a delicate balance with this decision.
