Exclusive to The Beiruter: From Montreal to Ottawa, Lebanese diaspora rises for the right to vote

As the deadline for expatriate voter registration approaches, pressure to change the status quo continues to rise. The diaspora seems committed to challenge the current situation, whereby the Lebanese Parliament and Cabinet have failed to yet amend the current 2017 Electoral Law to allow for Lebanese abroad to vote for all 128 Members of Parliament (MPs) instead of being limited to only 6 overseas MPs.

Given this stalemate, the Lebanese Community in Canada organized notable protests in their country residence, particularly in Ottowa and Montreal, in hope of applying the necessary pressure and thus achieve the desired breakthrough.

The Beiruter reached out to one of the Lebanese organizers of the demonstrations in Canada, Michel Akl, to find out more about these demonstrations, their intentions and intended goals.

How were the demonstrations organized?

Akl asserted that “before Montreal, there was a protest at the Lebanese Embassy in Ottawa, although I am not sure why no one spoke about it.” Labora (a non-governmental, non-profit, charitable organization, established in April 2008) took the initiative in Montreal, according to Akl.

He claimed that “the goal was not to gather a large crowd, but rather to deliver a message. In terms of numbers, since it was held on weekdays, we did not want people to leave their jobs (although, had we asked them, they would have as they are very committed). So, we aimed to gather around 60-70 people, which does not require a major permit, only a minor demonstration permit that can be obtained online, as it is a mere notification that does not require prior approval.”

Akl revealed to The Beiruter that the “time was tight. If you want to hold a protest with more than 100 people, you need to submit an application that may take time to process, meaning you lose flexibility over setting and committing to a specific time.”

Nevertheless, he confirmed that “we set the timing, took the initiative, stood on the sidewalk without causing traffic congestion or disturbing local residents, delivered our message, and went inside the embassy and handed over a letter to the Lebanese Consul Ali Derani (since the new ambassador has not yet assumed his duties). The latter commended the organization and professionalism of the event.”

What did the protests demand?

The diaspora’s message is clear: ensuring their right to vote for all 128 MPs from abroad, equally as ordinary Lebanese citizens.

Akl said to The Beiruter that

It is our right to vote. I visit Lebanon every four years, it is my right to vote.

He expressed his disappointment regarding some Lebanese people and politicians, who are opposed to the aforementioned demand, saying that “sadly, it hurts when your fellow citizen stands against you, your project, and your freedom.”

Subsequently, Akl criticized the 6 overseas MPs provision in the law. He questioned, “How can I vote for someone I do not even know? I am from Zahle. How can I elect a representative and contact them about issues in my area if I do not know them?” Additionally, he raised a major concern for expatriates, which is the effective accessibility to vote for their MPs amidst the current law’s provision. He asked, “Why should we be forced to bear the cost and hassle of traveling to Lebanon just to vote, or give up our right to do so if someone cannot afford it or is tied to work or family?” claiming that it is “simply not correct.”

What are the diaspora’s next steps in Canada?

In light of the current situation in Lebanon, and as the deadline for diaspora’s electoral registration nears its end, the expatriates are keen to apply all their means to fulfil their intended objectives. However, when The Beiruter asked Akl about the Lebanese diaspora’s upcoming steps in Canada, he replied, “Honestly, it is hard to know what the next step will be.”

He claimed that

The country has been ruled undemocratically for 30 years, and we are still suffering the consequences today.

“What’s the solution?” he questioned, “there is no clear answer, but we are heading toward escalation. It is unacceptable that nearly 23,000 people who registered and voted in Canada in the last elections are now being deprived. Today, around 9,000 are registered in Canada.”

Akl affirmed that “the plan is to escalate. If the registration deadline passes and it appears that we are being denied our right to vote, we will raise the stakes.” He revealed that “we may apply for a major permit, and the turnout will be much larger. The demonstrations in Ottawa and Montreal were neither publicized nor heavily mobilized, as the goal was simply to send a message with the smallest number possible. It is not about numbers; it is about the message, that we reject this behavior. But if things continue this way, we will organize and mobilize properly, and we will not hold it on weekdays, but rather on weekends, when people are off work.”

Akl concluded that “our goal is to vote for the sake of our country and to help develop it, so that one day we and our children can return and live there.”