Beyond the Ballot: Biometric Cards as a National Reform Tool

Strengthening reform initiatives

English version based on the Arabic-language article published by Akhbar al-Yawm

Lebanon’s parliament on Tuesday failed to address a draft law allowing expatriate voting in the 2026 legislative elections, drawing criticism from reformist lawmakers who later walked out of the session.

The delay is seen as a setback to long-promised electoral reforms, with just over a year left before the next parliamentary vote scheduled for March 2026.

Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar said the government remains committed to holding elections on time.

"Just as we held the municipal elections on schedule, we are fully capable of organizing parliamentary elections", Hajjar said in remarks published by Al-Amn magazine. "The Interior Ministry is preparing, and the government has made a firm decision".

A source familiar with the matter told the "Akhbar al-Yawm" agency that Lebanon must begin implementing reforms somewhere, starting with two key components: a biometric voting card and the establishment of "megacenters" to simplify voter access.

The source said that the biometric card would address fraud and public sector abuse. "Some employees receive more than one salary, and others draw wages without showing up to work", adding: "Biometric verification would prevent such abuses and improve electoral integrity".

According to the source, the government already possesses the infrastructure to support this shift. "Each citizen’s personal and employment data, stored on microfilm, should be available within the Ministry of Interior. This could serve as the basis for broader reforms, helping streamline the public sector and enhance transparency", they said.

Implementing a biometric system is feasible, the source added, if there is political will. "Just as many private companies require ID cards to enter their premises, the state can adopt a similar model for civil servants and voters alike".

As for megacenters, The source said such a system could boost participation by removing geographic barriers: "We already managed out-of-country voting, so there’s no reason we can’t organize similar access domestically".