Salam opposes Berri’s plan for the elections

Lebanon is witnessing an escalating political and legal dispute over expatriate voting rights as parliamentary elections approach, with opposing views rising between Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

The disagreement centers on how to interpret and apply provisions within Lebanon’s electoral law, particularly those regulating the participation of Lebanese citizens living abroad. The outcome of this confrontation could significantly influence the electoral process and potentially threaten the stability of the elections themselves.

Diverging legal interpretations

At the core of the dispute lies Berri’s proposal to suspend expatriate voting in foreign countries by possibly canceling the entire chapter of the electoral law that governs diaspora participation. His reported position effectively requires Lebanese expatriates to travel to Lebanon to cast their ballots rather than voting in their countries of residence.

In contrast, Salam has reportedly adopted a narrower legal interpretation that seeks to preserve expatriates’ voting rights while suspending only one specific provision within the law. The prime minister insists on maintaining Article 111, which guarantees the right of non-resident Lebanese citizens to vote abroad. However, he supports suspending Article 112, which establishes a separate electoral district allocating 6 parliamentary seats specifically to expatriates.

Salam argues that implementing the diaspora seat distribution outlined in Article 112 is currently impractical because it lacks the necessary implementing decrees. He further maintains that distributing parliamentary seats along sectarian or denominational lines remains a legislative responsibility belonging to parliament rather than the executive branch. Under Salam’s interpretation, approximately registered expatriate voters would retain their right to vote abroad, while the separate diaspora district would be temporarily suspended.

Political risks and potential escalation

According to political sources, Berri is unlikely to accept Salam’s proposal without strong opposition. The dispute could escalate into a broader political confrontation, potentially threatening government cohesion. Some officials fear the disagreement could even jeopardize the parliamentary elections themselves if a compromise is not reached.

Government sources have indicated that Salam’s official stance reflects the collective position of the cabinet, which has acknowledged the logistical and legal challenges surrounding the implementation of the diaspora electoral district. The government has emphasized that parliament must assume responsibility for resolving legislative gaps related to expatriate representation.

In conclusion, the unfolding confrontation between Berri and Salam represents more than a legal disagreement; it reflects broader struggles over institutional authority and electoral reform in Lebanon. As officials await legal guidance and political negotiations continue, the central concern remains whether the country can conduct parliamentary elections without further delay and while ensuring the voting rights of expatriates. Failure to reach a compromise risks undermining public confidence and could leave Lebanon facing renewed political uncertainty at a critical moment.