Findings

Congress finds the following: (1) Free, fair, and timely elections are essential to Lebanon’s sovereignty, political stability, and democratic governance. (2) Lebanon’s constitution and electoral laws provide for participation by Lebanese citizens residing abroad in parliamentary elections. (3) Lebanon’s diaspora population – estimated in the millions – plays a critical role in the country’s civic, political, and economic life. (4) Hezbollah and other armed groups, corrupt political elites, and foreign actors have historically exerted undue influence over Lebanon’s political processes, including voter intimidation, manipulation of electoral administration, and obstruction of reforms enabling diaspora voting. (5) Protecting the rights of Lebanese voters, including those abroad, is in the national security interest of the United States.