Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) joined Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) to introduce the SAFE Lebanon Act to ensure that members of the eligible Lebanese diaspora are not prevented from voting in Lebanon’s elections by authorizing sanctions on foreign individuals and entities that obstruct Lebanon’s electoral process.
“Free and fair elections will be essential to paving the way to Lebanon’s long-term stability, sovereignty, and prosperity. That is why the demonstrated obstruction of Lebanon’s electoral process must be met with clear consequences. The United States has high expectations for the government of Lebanon, and this Administration stands at the ready to play a lasting role in the nation’s progress. Authorizing the use of sanctions against those who seek to derail or defraud this process is a uniquely strong deterrent, will bolster needed election integrity, and strengthen confidence in the democratic system. We must put an end to the paradox that millions of Lebanese citizens around the world have a voice everywhere except Lebanon,” said Congressmen LaHood and Issa.
"Lebanon must continue in the positive trajectory it undertook in 2018 and 2022 by allowing full diaspora absentee voting. The American Task Force on Lebanon thanks Reps. Darrell Issa and Darin LaHood for standing with the people of Lebanon as they seek full participation in their democratic system," said Amb. (ret.) Ed Gabriel, President and CEO of the American Task Force on Lebanon.
Background:
Lebanon’s parliamentary elections have faced interference from Hezbollah, corrupt
political elites, and foreign actors who have engaged in intimidation, manipulation of
electoral administration, and obstruction of reforms. These actions have also affected the ability of Lebanese citizens living abroad to participate in elections, despite legal provisions allowing diaspora voting. Lebanon’s large global diaspora plays an important civic, political, and economic role, and protecting their voting rights is considered a national security interest of the United States.
The full text of the legislation can be found HERE.
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