The polling stations in expatriate countries closed with a turnout of approximately 60%. In general electoral terms, this percentage is considered acceptable, if not high. However, for Lebanese expatriates, there are no voter lists that include all registered individuals who are over 21, and the existing lists contain errors. Expatriates registered voluntarily to participate in the political life of their home country between October 1, 2021, and November 20, 2021.
What happened between last November and the first week of May that prevented 40% of registered individuals from participating? A seasoned political reference explains that in normal circumstances, any turnout exceeding 50% is deemed acceptable and respectable in democratic countries. He states, through "Akhbar Al-Yawm" agency, that in a country like Lebanon, where the populace is yearning for change and has undertaken what was termed a "revolution" or "uprising" against the authority, raising the slogan "All means all," alongside the devastating blast at the Beirut port, the decline of purchasing power, the loss of 97% of the Lebanese pound's value, economic, financial, and commercial collapse, and the rampant corruption, the public should have sent a strong message to all those who have led Lebanon to this state through massive voting against them.
He adds that the failure to increase the turnout, even though it is acceptable, has its reasons, the most notable of which are:
1. A segment of the public initially rose up but then retreated out of despair, dissatisfaction, and disgust; psychological reactions sometimes mirror national responses within society.
2. Many citizens, whether in Lebanon or in diaspora countries, lack confidence in the electoral law itself, believing it fails to reflect the true will of the people, especially concerning list compositions and the requirement for a preferential vote for the entire list.
3. A large number of candidates, whether party-affiliated or from the uprising forces, did not inspire much trust and credibility among the citizens.
4. Lebanese abroad have withdrawn from participating in national life, considering it a way to sever ties with Lebanon and start a completely new life in their adopted countries.
5. There are significant gaps in the geographic and demographic distribution of polling stations.
6. The weekend holiday in most European and American countries is considered "sacred"; thus, some countries do not hold elections on holidays.
7. Residents around the world watching Lebanese television broadcasts via satellites witness the disgusting and insulting level of discourse and insults among political parties and candidates. This has led to feelings of disgust, making many reluctant to vote, especially since this degradation is common among all.
The reference concludes by stating that, despite these reasons, the turnout is acceptable, but conversely, this is a people who have emigrated in despair and harbor resentment.
- Omar Al-Rassi - Akhbar Al-Yawm
