Kataeb MP Elias Hankach on Tuesday said that the battle to grant Lebanese expatriates full voting rights in upcoming elections is far from over, insisting that 70 lawmakers who signed a petition to put the urgent draft law on Parliament’s agenda cannot be ignored.

The proposed legislation seeks to abolish the article restricting non-resident voting to six designated parliamentary seats and instead allow Lebanese abroad to vote for all 128 lawmakers, equal to their counterparts inside the country. Despite widespread support, the measure was blocked during a recent legislative session.

Hankach said the Kataeb bloc’s decision to walk out of yesterday's legislative session was a deliberate act to raise pressure and make their position clear.

“We’re working against tight deadlines. If there is genuine intent to allow expatriates to vote, the time to act is now.”

He warned that Speaker Nabih Berri could attempt to delay or bypass the vote.

“If that happens, we’ll once again find ourselves facing a new de facto situation. Some still haven’t realized that the country has changed. There’s a new balance of power, and we need to take lessons from the winds of change sweeping the region.”

Hankach accused the Amal-Hezbollah duo of being “afraid of the expatriate vote” because it could tip the balance of power.

“They are using every tool available to obstruct diaspora voting, whether by limiting them to just six parliamentary seats or stripping them of their rights entirely. But this battle will continue until the end. It’s the Speaker’s duty to put the proposal on the agenda, and when the time comes to vote, we will win.”

“Expatriates are not ATMs, seasonal tourists, or emergency lifelines. They are independent actors, free from the domestic pressures faced by voters in Lebanon,” Hankach said in an interview on LBCI. “This right is fundamental and non-negotiable. It’s not up for debate.”

He argued that ensuring the diaspora can vote for all MPs would consolidate their ties to Lebanon.

“We must engage them through a process that allows them to express their political views independently. There should be no distinction between a resident and a non-resident Lebanese. Respecting constitutional principles is essential. Otherwise, we are ignoring the will of the people and their elected representatives,” he said.

Hankach blamed the obstruction on political calculations ahead of the next elections, warning that attempts to isolate or limit the diaspora’s role are bound to fail.

“The other side needs to understand that there is no room left for arrogance or control. A clear majority wants the diaspora to vote for all 128 seats. This is a battle we will win, along with the Lebanese Forces, the Progressive Socialist Party, independents, and reformists. In a democracy, the majority is what counts.”

He described the campaign for expatriate voting rights as “the biggest electoral battle,” declaring confidently, “We have the majority. We will win.”

When asked about accusations by Free Patriotic Movement leader Gebran Bassil, who had accused the Kataeb Party, the Lebanese Forces, and several independents of lying, Hankach responded: “I don’t know who the liar is in this country. But in some nations, citizens are fined for not voting. Our job is to make it easier for expatriates to cast their ballots.”

He also warned that the Foreign Ministry has previously misused consular data to run electoral campaigns abroad, accusing officials of exploiting diaspora networks.

“Some have a track record of honesty. Others will be judged by the Lebanese people,” he said.

Hankach noted that the Kataeb Party had filed a legal appeal against the six-seat quota as early as June 2018.

“This isn’t new for us. And we are not proxies for anyone,” he said. “We’ve paid with the blood of our martyrs for Lebanon’s sovereignty. They stood firm to defend it, and we will continue that legacy.”

Hankach underlined that the diaspora’s participation in elections is a right, not a privilege.

“This isn’t a political bazaar. It’s about giving rightful citizens what they are entitled to. Expatriates stood by Lebanon when foreign policy blunders left the country isolated. They are our only breathing space.”

Turning to security matters, Hankach backed Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel’s call for a parliamentary session to debate Hezbollah’s weapons.$

“Is it acceptable that exclusive arms control is not even discussed in Parliament? This demand is over 40 years old. All of Lebanon’s dysfunction stems from weapons that have brought destruction and misery. These arms are a curse on the Lebanese people,” he said.

He urged all parties to support President Joseph Aoun's efforts to put the weapons issue on the table.

“If we miss this opportunity, we will regret it. Lebanon must not stray from the path to stability any longer.”

Hankach emphasized that Lebanon is under international scrutiny and warned that foreign support is not unlimited.

“The world is watching, and it will not tolerate a return to the old political practices. We have a chance today, we must seize it.”

Hankach concluded by voicing confidence in the President’s leadership.

“We trust him. He is serious about tackling the weapons issue, and the government is rising to the challenge. As long as Lebanon is moving toward reclaiming its sovereign decision-making and implementing reforms, we will stand by him," he stressed.