Kataeb Political Bureau member and former Minister Alain Hakim sharply criticized ongoing debates surrounding Lebanon’s electoral law and the voting rights of the Lebanese diaspora, urging a practical and inclusive approach that respects the will of expatriates and advances national reform.

“If you ask any Lebanese abroad how they want to vote, they will say, ‘We want to vote across all of Lebanon.’ What we are hearing from various political factions is nonsense and mere legal maneuvers aimed at protecting their own interests," he said in an interview on Voice of Lebanon radio.

Hakim underscored that Lebanese expatriates actively follow politics at home and do not require persuasion from political parties abroad, noting that “this kind of distraction only delays Lebanon’s reform path.” He added that the current electoral law, passed three years ago, has proven difficult to implement and unfortunately “allowed many Lebanese to entrust their votes to non-sovereign figures,” hindering progress and damaging Lebanon’s international reputation.

“With parliamentary elections looming in a few months, it is crucial to amend certain provisions to simplify procedures and ease the political battles, including issues related to megacenters and diaspora voting.”

Hakim strongly rejected excluding expatriates from voting, calling Lebanese abroad “a great national asset and a source of strength.” 

“The diaspora is free from the usual domestic election abuses such as vote-buying, intimidation, and the influence of arms. Their vote will be based solely on national interest, which worries some political factions because it represents a sovereign and patriotic voice," he noted.

Hakim stressed the need for political courage and realism in the face of shifting regional and international dynamics, lamenting that “empty slogans and a lack of courage to confront Hezbollah’s arms have prevented Lebanon from being taken seriously.” For Hakim, rebuilding a strong state depends on reforms spanning administrative, financial, economic sectors, and border demarcation.

Acknowledging changes in the regional landscape and Iran’s diminishing influence, Hakim said the idea that the Lebanese state should have a monopoly on weapons “is now real, natural, and achievable.” He urged Lebanese leaders to adapt to these changes and find practical solutions to serve the interests of all citizens, emphasizing the urgency of disarming militias and enforcing a clear ceasefire.

Hakim accused Hezbollah of “stalling in order to rebuild its military strength,” adding that this tactic is now utterly rejected domestically and internationally.

“While Hezbollah’s defeat is clear, it is attempting to spin it as a victory through the Lebanese state. Lebanon has already paid the price for that war,” he said.

Reclaiming state sovereignty requires bold decisions and risk-taking, Hakim argued.

“The state has political, social, and military responsibilities toward its citizens, and it must act decisively and transparently.”

He also highlighted that the reemergence of extremist groups like ISIS serves the interests of the “Resistance Axis”, with Hezbollah using the Islamist threat as a pretext to retain its arms.

“We must resolve the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons swiftly, or else Lebanon will remain weak internally and vulnerable externally, thus posing a grave threat to the state and its people.”

Responding to former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat’s recent call for disarmament, Hakim praised his “courage and support for the Lebanese state,” seeing it as “a vote of confidence in national institutions.”

Haaki

On peace with Israel, Hakim stated that “peace must come with sovereign conditions. The topic is no longer taboo. Normalization should occur only within a comprehensive peace strategy that safeguards Lebanon’s sovereignty and resolves outstanding disputes. Lebanon must initiate a conditional peace plan.”

Turning to economic concerns, Hakim insisted on greater government transparency and accountability.

“A transparent, regularly updated government performance index, accessible to the public, is essential for accountability,” he said, recalling that the Kataeb Party has repeatedly called for such a mechanism to guide policy.

Finally, Hakim advocated for establishing a sovereign fund to foster innovation and investment in promising sectors such as technology, describing these as “sustainable investments that will improve the economy and enhance national stability.”