If voting abroad is canceled, expatriates will still be able to vote in Lebanon, assures foreign minister

BEIRUT — With six days left before registration closes on Nov. 20, Foreign Minister Joe Raggi released a video urging expatriates to sign up on the electoral rolls and reassuring them that they would still be able to vote in Lebanon if the overseas vote is canceled.

"What are you waiting for? The countdown has begun," the video urges. "If overseas voting is canceled, you will still be able to vote in Lebanon. Your right remains guaranteed and you will be able to vote in Lebanon," Rajji added.

The Foreign Ministry also said it had recorded, as of Thursday, Nov. 13, a total of 55,548 registrations from different continents. France has the highest registration rate, followed by Germany, Canada, the United States, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Ivory Coast and Saudi Arabia.

Six months ahead of the elections, debate continues on the expatriate vote — whether expatriates will vote for all 128 members of Parliament, or only for a dedicated 16th district — fueling concerns about a possible election delay.

The current electoral law limits the Lebanese diaspora vote in the 2026 parliamentary elections to just six seats, compared to the 128 seats voted on by residents of Lebanon.