The Beiruter

Disputes over expatriate voting rights have paralyzed Lebanon’s Parliament, casting doubt on whether the 2026 elections will proceed as scheduled.

Lebanon’s 2025 municipal elections saw women double their representation, highlighting progress in political inclusion and raising the question of how to make it permanent.

The debate over allowing Lebanese expatriates to vote from abroad highlights the country’s political deadlock, as hundreds of thousands of citizens face logistical hurdles, legislative delays, and uncertainty over their ability to participate in upcoming elections.

Ahead of 2026, Lebanon’s diaspora faces uncertainty over full voting rights, putting their political influence at stake.

Syria is preparing for its first elections since Assad’s fall, a contested process the transitional government hopes will establish legitimacy despite delays, exclusions, and deep skepticism.