The Maronite bishops representing Lebanese communities abroad have called on President Joseph Aoun to abolish Article 112 of Lebanon’s current electoral law, which allocates only six parliamentary seats for non-resident Lebanese voters. The appeal, based on a June 2025 conference of bishops from the diaspora, was also sent to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and key parliamentary blocs.

In their letter, the bishops argue that Article 112, which establishes a separate electoral district for expatriates, known as “District 16," violates Lebanon’s constitution and existing electoral laws. They maintain that the six-seat quota undermines the principle of equal voting rights for residents and non-residents alike, and that such a significant change requires a constitutional amendment, not a simple procedural fix in the electoral code.

The bishops stress that all Lebanese citizens, whether living inside or outside the country, have an equal right to vote in their home electoral districts, as affirmed by Articles 2 and 3 of the electoral law.

According to the bishops, creating separate electoral districts for expatriates raises serious legal and practical problems. The current law lacks clear criteria for distributing the six diaspora seats among sectarian groups across continents and fails to specify how expatriates should vote under Lebanon’s proportional representation system. These ambiguities, the bishops say, constitute clear violations of electoral law.

Politically, the bishops emphasize the vital role parliamentary elections play as a cornerstone of Lebanon’s democracy, underscoring the importance of all Lebanese citizens voting regardless of where they live. They argue that allowing diaspora voters to cast ballots within their home districts affirms their deep connection to Lebanon and their commitment to strengthening state institutions. This system, they say, helps ensure expatriates’ voices influence national decisions and rebuild trust between Lebanese abroad and their homeland, potentially encouraging their eventual return.

The bishops caution that splitting the electorate into resident and expatriate groups creates unjustified constitutional discrimination and risks being challenged before Lebanon’s Constitutional Council. They also highlight that expatriates remain a vital part of Lebanon’s fabric, often leaving due to economic, political, or security hardships, not out of rejection of their national identity. Segregating their representation, they warn, would weaken rather than enhance diaspora participation.

Recalling the success of previous elections in 2018 and 2022, when expatriates voted for candidates in their original home districts, the bishops say this approach respected electoral unity and proved effective. They therefore call for the full repeal of Article 112, supporting a recently submitted expedited draft law backed by several parliamentary blocs and independent deputies.

The letter is signed by Maronite bishops from across the diaspora, including those serving communities in Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, the United States, Canada, Australia, France, Europe, Africa, and South America.