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Lebanon
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
a. Yes
Comments: Election of the Members of the House of Representatives, law no. 171. Article 2
Source: Election of the Members of the House of Representatives, law no. 171. Article 2 Updated on March 9, 2008
Last updated: 2008-05-05 13:12:00 UTC
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
d. Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
f. Communities of interest/cultural concerns
g. Other
Comments: g.) religious concerns.
Source: Constitution, Article 24 (1)& (2). Updated on March 9, 2008
Last updated: 2008-05-05 13:12:00 UTC
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Riva Matar
b. Job Title: Researcher
c. Organisation: ANND
d. Contact Address. Ashrafieh Beirut - Lebanon
e. Telephone: 03/ 48 47 78
g. Email: [email protected]
Last updated: 2005-05-17 09:37:33 UTC
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
f. None
Comments: NA
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 09:38:18 UTC
DD03 What is the legal basis for mandatory referendums at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 09:40:17 UTC
DD04 What is the legal basis for optional referendums at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 09:40:42 UTC
DD05 What is the legal basis for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 09:41:30 UTC
DD06 What is the legal basis for agenda initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 09:41:54 UTC
DD07 What is the legal basis for recalls at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 09:42:27 UTC
DD08 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 09:42:56 UTC
DD09 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 09:43:45 UTC
DD10 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 09:44:27 UTC
DD100 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an agenda initiative?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:58:52 UTC
DD101 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a recall?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:59:02 UTC
DD102 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a referendum?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:59:36 UTC
DD103 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a citizens' initiative?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:59:39 UTC
DD104 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:59:46 UTC
DD105 Who is responsible for checking the signatures?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:00:21 UTC
DD106 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a referendum?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:01:27 UTC
DD107 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in an initiative?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:02:36 UTC
DD108 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a recall?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:02:14 UTC
DD109 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a referendum?
i. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:05:58 UTC
DD11 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 09:45:00 UTC
DD110 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for an initiative?
i. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:06:19 UTC
DD111 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a recall?
i. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:06:08 UTC
DD112 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a referendum?
h. Not applicable
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:06:56 UTC
DD113 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in an initiative?
h. Not applicable
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:07:18 UTC
DD114 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a recall?
h. Not applicable
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:07:06 UTC
DD115 What is the period during which these controls apply for a referendum?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:07:47 UTC
DD116 What is the period during which these controls apply for an initiative?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:07:51 UTC
DD117 What is the period during which these controls apply for a recall?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:07:55 UTC
DD118 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a referendum? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:08:48 UTC
DD119 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for an initiative? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:08:59 UTC
DD12 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 09:45:34 UTC
DD120 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a recall? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:09:02 UTC
DD121 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a referendum?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:09:51 UTC
DD122 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for an initiative?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:09:43 UTC
DD123 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a recall?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:10:00 UTC
DD124 If free media access is provided, what are the criteria for allocating broadcast time / printing space?
a. NA
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:10:24 UTC
DD126 What restrictions or controls, if any, are there on media coverage of the campaign and/or issue during the relevant period?
a. NA
Last updated: 2005-05-17 11:11:19 UTC
DD127 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign for a recall?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:52:57 UTC
DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level?
Date (yyyy)
f. Not applicable X
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 09:48:02 UTC
DD14 When was an administrative framework for direct democracy mechanisms first introduced at the national level? Date (yyyy)
f. Not applicable X
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 09:48:43 UTC
DD15 Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
f. Not applicable
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 09:51:46 UTC
DD16 Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
c. Not applicable
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 09:53:31 UTC
DD17 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
d. Not applicable
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 09:57:27 UTC
DD18 Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
d. Not applicable
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:00:52 UTC
DD19 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
d. Not applicable
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:02:10 UTC
DD20 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
d. Not applicable
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:02:44 UTC
DD21 Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
d. Not applicable
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:03:09 UTC
DD22 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
d. Not applicable
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:03:53 UTC
DD23 Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
d. Not applicable
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:03:54 UTC
DD24 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
d. Not applicable
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:04:02 UTC
DD25 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
d. Not applicable
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:04:08 UTC
DD26 Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
d. Not applicable
Source: Articles 76 to 79, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:04:15 UTC
DD32 Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
g. Not applicable
Source: constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:07:58 UTC
DD33 Who is responsible for drafting the optional referendum question?
g. Not applicable
Source: constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:08:33 UTC
DD34 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?
f. Not applicable
Source: constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:09:06 UTC
DD35 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the optional referendum question?
f. Not applicable
Source: constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:09:37 UTC
DD36 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for mandatory referendums?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:12:28 UTC
DD37 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for optional referendums?
f. Not applicable
Source: constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:13:24 UTC
DD38 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a mandatory referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
b. Approval quorum X
Comments: NA
Source: constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:14:23 UTC
DD39 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a optional referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
b. Approval quorum X
Comments: NA
Source: constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:15:13 UTC
DD40 What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
e. Not applicable
Source: constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:16:11 UTC
DD41 What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
e. Not applicable
Source: constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:16:51 UTC
DD43 When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
d. Not applicable
Source: constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:21:07 UTC
DD45 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
d. Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. Only the Government and the Chamber of Deputies have the initiatives.
Source: Articles 18 and 76, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:22:58 UTC
DD46 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
d. Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. Only the Government and the Chamber of Deputies have the initiatives.
Source: Articles 18 and 76, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:23:02 UTC
DD49 Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. Not applicable
Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:26:11 UTC
DD50 Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. Not applicable
Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:26:16 UTC
DD51 What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
e. Not applicable
Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:29:31 UTC
DD52 Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
f. Not applicable
Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:30:14 UTC
DD53 Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
f. Not applicable
Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:30:19 UTC
DD54 Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
h. Not applicable
Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:30:54 UTC
DD55 Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
e. None
Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:33:12 UTC
DD56 Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
d. Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. Only the President and the Chamber of Deputies have the initiatives.
Source: Articles 18 and 76, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:34:20 UTC
DD58 If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
f. Not applicable
Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:36:27 UTC
DD59 Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens’ initiative?
g. Not applicable
Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:37:18 UTC
DD61 What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
e. Not applicable
Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:38:20 UTC
DD62 When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
f. Not applicable
Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:38:58 UTC
DD63 Who decides the final ballot text?
f. Not applicable
Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:39:30 UTC
DD64 Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
d. Not applicable
Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:40:27 UTC
DD65 Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
k. Not applicable
Source: Articles 49, 53, 55, 64, and 65, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:41:01 UTC
DD67 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to the time period in which an individual/position can be recalled?
a. NA
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:42:24 UTC
DD68 If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:42:44 UTC
DD69 When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
c. Not applicable
Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:43:08 UTC
DD70 If a separate ballot to replace an individual who has been recalled takes place, how soon after the recall ballot is it held?
a. NA
Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:43:32 UTC
DD71 Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
c. Not applicable
Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:47:36 UTC
DD72 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X
Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:48:37 UTC
DD73 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:48:43 UTC
DD74 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a citizens' initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X
Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:48:53 UTC
DD75 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an agenda initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X
Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:49:07 UTC
DD76 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional) has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:50:41 UTC
DD77 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a rejective referendum (optional) has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:50:33 UTC
DD78 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a citizens' initiative has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:50:37 UTC
DD79 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an agenda initiative has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:50:54 UTC
DD80 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:52:47 UTC
DD81 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:52:38 UTC
DD82 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:52:36 UTC
DD83 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an agenda initiative?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:52:51 UTC
DD84 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a recall?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X
Source: Constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:49:15 UTC
DD85 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for recall has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:50:50 UTC
DD87 Where can proposals for an abrogative referendum (optional) be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:55:21 UTC
DD88 Where can proposals for a rejective referendum (optional) be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:55:37 UTC
DD89 Where can proposals for a citizens' initiative be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:54:50 UTC
DD90 Where can proposals for an agenda initiative be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:54:58 UTC
DD91 Where can proposals for a recall be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:55:10 UTC
DD92 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:56:32 UTC
DD93 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:56:49 UTC
DD94 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:56:45 UTC
DD95 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an agenda initiative?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:57:15 UTC
DD96 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a recall?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:57:22 UTC
DD97 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-05-17 10:58:29 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution Ministry of Interior
b. Full Address Ministry of Interior and Municipalities, Lebanon Bank Street, Sanayeh, Beirut, Lebanon.
c. Telephone (00)-961-1-751601/2/3/4/5/6
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Mr Hasan El Sab'eaa
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections Arabic
Last updated: 2008-05-05 12:34:04 UTC
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
c. Local level
Comments: The elections are managed and administered by the Ministry of Interior, no electoral management body is present,so the Ministry of Interior is responsible of both municipal and parliamentary elections
Source: Election of the Members of the House of Representatives, law no. 171. Article 60 LADE Updated on May 5, 2008
Last updated: 2008-05-05 12:34:04 UTC
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
c. The legislature
Comments: The Council of Ministers prepares a draft of the budget that the legislative power has to approve.
Source: Constitution, Articles 83 and 88
Last updated: 2008-05-05 12:34:04 UTC
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
c. The legislature
Source: Constitution, Article 87
Last updated: 2008-05-05 12:34:04 UTC
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
a. For the election period only
Comments: The Minister of Interior is appointed. He/she is member of the government, so the term is the same as his/her membership in the government and he/she is assigned the mission of the head of national electoral management body.
Last updated: 2008-04-22 21:10:59 UTC
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
Last updated: 2007-01-12 10:25:16 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
a. Total number: 2
Last updated: 2008-03-04 23:27:27 UTC
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
h. Other
Comments: Secret Ballot. Elected By Secret ballot and by a two-thirds majority of the chamber of Deputies, But After the first ballot, a simple majority is sufficient.
Source: Constitution, chapter 4, Art. 49 Updated on March 3, 2008
Last updated: 2008-04-22 19:31:05 UTC
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
e. Appointed
Comments: the president of the republic appoint the prime minister but after binding parliamentary consultation
Source: Constitution, Chapter 3, Article 53 LADE: Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections Updated on March 3, 2008.
Last updated: 2008-04-22 19:31:05 UTC
ES03 Does the country have a president?
a. Yes
Comments: The President of the Republic is the bead of the state.
Source: Constitution, chapter 4, Art. 49 Updated on March 3, 2008.
Last updated: 2008-04-22 19:31:05 UTC
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
a. One chamber
Comments: Legislative power is vested in a single body, the Chamber of Deputies. The Ta’ef Agreement 1989 states that there should be two chambers but has not been implemented till now
Source: Constitution, Chapter 1, Article 16. LADE: Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections Updated on March 3, 2008.
Last updated: 2008-04-22 19:31:05 UTC
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
c. Block Vote
Comments: Voting shall be general (universal suffrage), through secret ballots and direct.
Source: Election of the Members of the House of Representatives, law no. 171. Article 5. Updated on March 4, 2008
Last updated: 2008-04-22 19:31:05 UTC
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
c. Religious groups - proportion of total seats (%) 100%
Last updated: 2008-03-03 11:24:32 UTC
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
b. Separate legislation
Comments: The Chamber of Deputies shall be composed of elected members; their number and the method of their election shall be determined by the electoral laws in effect
Source: Election of the Members of the House of Representatives, law no. 171. Article 24. Updated on March 4, 2008
Last updated: 2008-04-22 19:33:10 UTC
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
Comments: local elections are covered by another law, the municipal
Source: LADE Updated on March 4, 2008
Last updated: 2008-04-22 19:33:10 UTC
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary
Comments: It is not mentioned in the law.
Source: International IDEA Voter Turnout Website http://www.idea.int/vt/compulsory_voting.cfm Updated March 4, 2008
Last updated: 2008-04-22 19:33:10 UTC
LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
c. Specially Appointed/Elected Electoral Tribunal
Comments: In each electoral constituency one or more registration committee shall be formed and, contrary to any other provision.
Source: Election of the Members of the House of Representatives, law no. 171. Article 15 & 16. Updated on March 4, 2008
Last updated: 2008-04-22 19:33:10 UTC
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Riva Matar
b. Job Title: Researcher
c. Organisation: ANND
d. Contact Address: Ashrafieh Beirut - Lebanon
e. Telephone: 03/ 48 47 78
g. Email: [email protected]
Last updated: 2005-05-16 16:55:20 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
a. a
Last updated: 2008-03-09 22:43:27 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
a. NA
Last updated: 2008-03-09 22:43:27 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
a. a
Last updated: 2008-03-09 22:43:27 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
a. NA
Last updated: 2008-03-09 22:43:27 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
a. a
Last updated: 2008-03-09 22:43:27 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
h. Not applicable
Comments: The current electoral law does not have media regulation
Source: LADE Election of the Members of the House of Representatives, law no. 171. Article 68 Updated on March 9, 2008
Last updated: 2008-05-05 13:30:02 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Comments: b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising
Source: LADE Updated April 22, 2008
Last updated: 2008-05-05 13:30:02 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
Last updated: 2008-03-09 22:43:27 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
b. There are no laws in this regard X
Last updated: 2005-05-16 17:30:29 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2008-03-09 22:43:27 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
Last updated: 2008-03-09 22:43:27 UTC
ME59 Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
a. Yes, in presidential elections
b. Yes, in legislative elections
Comments: The debates are not directly conducted but rather through talk shows hosting the candidates so there will be a space for debate but nobody is obkiged to conduct such debates
Source: LADE
Last updated: 2008-04-22 21:24:26 UTC
ME60 What legal requirements, if any, regulate the participation of candidates or party representatives in media debates?
a. ......... NA
Last updated: 2008-03-09 22:43:27 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
b. Deposit requirement (specify amount)
c. Regional distribution requirement
Comments: The candidate should deposit in the State Treasury an amount of 10,000,000 LBP = 6,666.66 USD, on an individual basis. Any one can run for post, being a member in a political party is not a necessity
Source: Election of the Members of the House of Representatives, law no. 171. Article 35 LADE Updated on March 9, 2008
Last updated: 2008-04-22 21:20:26 UTC
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable
Source: Updated on March 9, 2008
Last updated: 2008-03-09 22:37:13 UTC
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
f. Registration
i. Minimum level of literacy
j. Other
Comments: To be elected member of the House of Representatives, the candidate must be Lebanese registered in the voters list, having attained the age of twenty five years, enjoying his civil and political rights and educated. Naturalized Lebanese individuals are eligible only after ten years of acquiring the nationality.
Source: Election of the Members of the House of Representatives, law no. 171. Article 6 Updated on March 9, 2008
Last updated: 2008-04-22 21:20:26 UTC
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
k. Not applicable
Source: Updated on March 9, 2008
Last updated: 2008-03-09 22:32:58 UTC
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
e. In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: The majority of candidates are independent local leaders, party representation does not exceed 30%.
Source: LADE Updated on March 9, 2008
Last updated: 2008-04-22 21:20:26 UTC
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
a. No
Comments: There is no law regulating the finance of the political parties
Source: LADE Updated on March 9, 2008
Last updated: 2008-04-22 21:20:26 UTC
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
f. Not applicable
Source: Updated on March 9, 2008
Last updated: 2008-03-09 22:35:48 UTC
PC17 Are political parties entitled to private funding?
a. Yes
Comments: Most of the political parties are funded by its members and primary but their presidents or by organizations and firms owned even partially bu the parties.
Source: LADE Updated on April 22, 2008
Last updated: 2008-04-22 21:20:26 UTC
Vote Counting
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations
Comments: After counting and examining the ballot papers, the head of the polling station shall announce the provisional voting results and shall immediately post the announcement including these results on the door of the polling station and shall give to each of the candidates and their delegates, upon request, a certified copy of the original announcement.
Source: Election of the Members of the House of Representatives, law no. 171. Article 57 Updated on March 9, 2008
Last updated: 2008-03-09 22:41:56 UTC
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
a. Never recounted
Comments: After announcing the results, all ballot papers and envelopes, with the exception of those which should be attached to the report, shall be burnt.
Source: Election of the Members of the House of Representatives, law no. 171. Article 57 Updated on March 9, 2008
Last updated: 2008-03-09 22:41:56 UTC
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
d. National Government
g. NGOs/ Civic Organizations
h. Political parties/ candidates
i. Media
j. Religious Institutions
Comments: Ministry of Interior as the EMB. Besides the official announcements and the media, political parties and candidates as well as civic organizations conduct their own campaigns to educate voters.
Source: Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections (LADE). Updated on March 9, 2008
Last updated: 2008-04-22 21:33:25 UTC
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
b. Election time only
Comments: Programs are mostly conducted during election time, except those of the NGOs working with youth and women's participation, such as LADE.
Source: LADE Updated on March 9, 2008
Last updated: 2008-04-22 21:33:25 UTC
VE03 Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
e. Yes, conducted by the Government
h. Yes, conducted by NGOs/ Civic Organizations
Comments: Neither the Government nor the NGOS are obliged to it
Source: LADE Updated on March 9, 2008
Last updated: 2008-04-22 21:33:25 UTC
Voting Operations
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Source: Election of the Members of the House of Representatives, law no. 171. Article 40 Updated on March 9, 2008
Last updated: 2008-04-22 21:05:46 UTC
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
a. Outside the country voting is not permitted
Comments: OCV is not applicable, but it is no “not permitted:, since there is no restriction on the ministry of interior on assigning polling stations outside Lebanon but it does not , so basically it is not applicable
Source: LADE Updated on March 9, 2008
Last updated: 2008-04-22 21:05:46 UTC
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
g. Not applicable
Source: Updated on March 9, 2008
Last updated: 2008-03-09 22:19:07 UTC
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes, the maximum capacity is: 600
Last updated: 2008-03-09 22:13:50 UTC
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
Comments: There is no pre-printed ballot in Lebanon, so each voter can write the names of the candidates on a piece of paper and put it in an envelope and then in the ballot box.
Source: Electoral law 47 Updated on April 22, 2008
Last updated: 2008-04-22 21:05:46 UTC
VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
a. The smallest polling station: 2 and more
b. The largest polling station: 2 and more
Last updated: 2008-03-09 22:13:50 UTC
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
e. 20
Comments: 21 Years old
Source: Constitution, Article 21 Updated on March 9, 2008
Last updated: 2008-04-22 21:15:49 UTC
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
e. Other
Comments: Other: Mental Capacity, Bankruptcy, Juridical Sanction
Source: Electoral law, Art. 9 LADE Updated on March 9, 2008
Last updated: 2008-04-22 21:15:49 UTC
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
a. Central Government Department (specify)
Comments: Central Government: Ministry of Interior with the collaboration of the local and regional representatives in addition to the civic records
Source: Election of the Members of the House of Representatives, LADE law no. 171. Articles 15 & 24 Updated on March 9, 2008
Last updated: 2008-04-22 21:15:49 UTC
VR08 Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
a. Yes
Comments: Registration in the voters’ lists/rolls is mandatory; no one is allowed to be registered in more than one list.
Source: Election of the Members of the House of Representatives, law no. 171. Article 11 Updated on March 9, 2008
Last updated: 2008-04-22 21:15:49 UTC
May 20, 2008 08:19 AM
