US lawmakers seek sanctions on anyone who obstructs Lebanese elections

U.S. Congressmen Darrell Issa and Darin LaHood, who are of Lebanese origin, have submitted a draft bill seeking the imposition of sanctions on any “foreign person or entity that hinders, obstructs or delays Lebanon's electoral process, including efforts to restrict or prevent Lebanese citizens abroad from voting in parliamentary elections.”

The draft bill was dubbed the “Lebanon Election Integrity and Diaspora Voting Protection Act of 2026''.

“Free, fair, and timely elections are essential to Lebanon's sovereignty, political stability, and democratic governance,” the draft says, noting that “Lebanon's diaspora population -- estimated in the millions -- plays a critical role in the country's civic, political, and economic life.”

“Hezbollah and other armed groups, corrupt political elites, and foreign actors have historically exerted undue influence over Lebanon's political processes, including voter intimidation, manipulation of electoral administration, and obstruction of reforms enabling diaspora voting,” the draft bill charges.

It noted that “protecting the rights of Lebanese voters, including those abroad, is in the national security interest of the United States.”