Almost 3 million registered voters in Lebanon are expected on June 7 to vote. But more than another 1.5 million cannot. Here are the reasons why.First, the current electoral law excludes Lebanese voters living outside Lebanon (our famous emigrants), who make up almost 450 thousands (these are first-time migrants).
Second, the electoral law excludes voters between 18 and 21, as the law was amended just before these elections, with no time for implementation. So almost 300 thousands young citizens can't vote this year.
Third, armed forces are also denied their voting rights, so here are almost 80 thousands individuals also banned from the vote.
Fourth, there are many groups residing in Lebanon for more than 10 years, who are 'quasi-Lebanese', i.e. all politicians are denying them Lebanese nationality but everyone knows that eventually they will stay in the country. These are Palestinian refugees (almost 400 thousands), and long-stay foreign workers (roughly 100 thousands).
So if you do the math, almost half of the current electorate is denied from giving their say in these "crucial" elections. This is not to count citizens who do not identify with the sectarian nature of this masquerade.
