JERSEY CITY, NJ – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on the start of parliamentary elections in Lebanon. The elections, which will conclude on May 15, officially started on Friday with Lebanese expatriates casting their votes while abroad:
“These are crucial elections and Lebanese citizens at home and around the world will cast their votes amidst an unprecedented economic crisis that has driven many of them into poverty while forcing others to leave the country in search of a better future.
“I support all Lebanese voters who remain committed to a democratic and prosperous future for their country — one where the rule of law allows the government to provide basic services to its citizens and hold accountable those engaged in the corruption that has led to both the economic crisis and the deadly explosion in the Port of Beirut on August 4, 2020. To that end, I urge the Lebanese government to ensure that the upcoming elections are held on time and in a manner that is transparent, representative, and fair.”
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