Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 2: The Parliamentary seats and electoral districts
1 – The number of Parliamentary seats and their distribution across sects according to electoral districts shall be determined according to the attached appendix to this law (Annex 1). The nomination for these seats shall be based on this annex and the appendix shall be considered an integral part of this law.
Source: Parliamentary Election Law No. 44 of 2017, art. 2:
http://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx
https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
Verified: 2024/11/20
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries f . Communities of interest/cultural concerns g . Other
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. Until such
time as the Chamber enacts new electoral laws on a non-confessional basis, the distribution
of seats shall be according to the following principles:
a. Equal representation between Christians and Muslims.
b. Proportional representation among the confessional groups within each of the two religious
communities.
c. Proportional representation among geographic regions.
Source: Constitution, art. 24 (1, 2): http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf
Parliamentary Election Law No. 44 of 2017, art. 2, Appendix 1: http://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx
https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
Verified: 2024/11/20
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . Legislature (1st chamber)
Comments: Chamber of Deputies (Parliament)
Source: Constitution, art. 24: http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf ;
Parliamentary Election Law No. 44 of 2017, art. 2, Appendix 1:
http://www.mfa.gov.lb/Library/Files/Uploaded%20Files/Lebanese%20electoral%20law%202017.pdf
https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
Verified: 2024/11/20
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
d . Indirectly elected by legislature
Comments: The president of the Republic is the head of the state and the symbol of the nation's unity. The President of the Republic shall be elected by secret ballot and by a two-thirds majority of the Chamber of Deputies. After a first ballot, an absolute majority shall be sufficient. The president's term is for six years. He may not be re-elected until six years after the expiration of his last mandate.
Source: Constitution, art. 49: http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The Prime Minister is the head of the government and its representative. The president shall designate the Prime Minister in consultation with the president of the Chamber of deputies based on parliamentary consultations which shall be binding and the content of which the President shall formally disclose to the Prime Minister. The President alone shall issue the decree which designates the Prime Minister.
Source: Constitution, art. 53 (2, 3), 64: http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The President of the Republic is the head of the state.
Source: Constitution, art. 49: http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2024/11/20
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: Legislative power shall be vested in a single body, the Chamber of Deputies.
Source: Constitution, art. 16: http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
c . Block Vote g . List Proportional Representation
Comments: The Lebanese Parliament consists of 128 members, whose term of office is four years,elected on the basis of the proportional system of which the voting shall take place in public, in secret and in a single session.
Source: Constitution, art. 24 (1, 2): http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf
Parliamentary Election Law No. 44 of 2017, art. 1: https://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx%20(2017)
https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
Verified: 2024/11/20
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
b . Separate legislation
Comments:
Source: Constitution, art. 24: http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf
Parliamentary Election Law No. 44 of 2017:
https://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx%20(2017)
https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
Verified: 2024/11/20
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections
Comments:
Source: Parliamentary Election Law No. 44 of 2017: https://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx%20(2017)
https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
Verified: 2024/11/20
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: Any Lebanese man or woman, who has reached the [required] age specified in the Constitution, whether resident or non-resident in Lebanese territory, and enjoying his civil and political rights being not involved in one of the cases provided for in this law, has the right to vote.
Source: Parliamentary Election Law No. 25 of 2008, art. 3: https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
Constitution, art. 21: http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
c . Specially Appointed/Elected Electoral Tribunal
Comments: A Constitutional Council shall be established to supervise the Constitutionality of Laws and to arbitrate conflicts that arise from parliamentary and presidential elections.
Source: Constitution, art. 19: http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level
Comments:
Source: Parliamentary Election Law, art. 11, 40, 87, 101:
https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
https://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx%20(2017)
http://elections.gov.lb/Home.aspx
Verified: 2024/11/20
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: Each year at the beginning of the October session, the Government shall submit to the
Chamber of Deputies the general budget estimates of state expenditures and revenues for the
following year. The budget shall voted upon article by article.
No public loan or undertaking involving an expenditure from the treasury funds may
be contracted except by virtue of a law.
Source: Constitution, art. 83, 88: http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: The final financial accounts of the administration for each year must be submitted to
the Chamber for approval before the promulgation of the budget of the second year wich
follows that year. A special law shall be issued for the setting up of an Audit office.
Source: Constitution, art. 87: http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
a . For the election period only
Comments: rticle 11: Appointment of the Commission and its mandate
1 – The members shall be appointed by a decree in the Council of Ministers upon the proposal of the Interior Minister.
2 -The mandate of the members of the Commission shall commence from the date of the issuance of their decree of appointment on the basis of the decision of the Cabinet and shall terminate after six months from the date of completion of general Parliamentary elections.
3 – The Cabinet shall appoint the members of the Commission one month before the end of the mandate of its term.
4 – The existing Commission will continue to pursue its duties functions until a new body is appointed.
Source: Parliamentary Election Law, art. 11: https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
https://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx%20(2017)
Verified: 2024/11/20
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
a . Governmental
Comments: Article 10: Composition of the Commission
1 – The Commission consists of eleven members as follows:
a – A retired judge in the judiciary who has served 20 years of judicial duties, chosen from among three names nominated by the Supreme Judicial Court.
b – A retired administrative judge who has served in the judiciary for at least 20 years will be chosen from among three names nominated by the State Consultative Council. c – A retired financial judge who has served in the judiciary for at least 20 years will be chosen from among three names nominated by the Audit Court.
d – A former head of the Bar Association will be chosen from among three former heads nominated by the Beirut Bar Association.
e – A Former head of Bar Association will be chosen from among three former heads nominated by the Bar Association of Tripoli.
f – A representative of the Press Association selected from among three candidates nominated by the Council of the Bar.
g – An information and advertising expert selected from among three candidates nominated by the National Audiovisual Council of Lebanon.
h – A Former head of the Lebanese Association of Certified Public Accountants will be chosen from among three candidates nominated by the union.
i – Two professionals with extensive experience in election-related competencies (including administration, funding or publicity) will be selected from among six names nominated by the interior minister.
j – A representative of the civil society bodies, who meet the conditions stipulated in Article 20 of this law, will be chosen from among three experts in elections nominated by these bodies in accordance with a mechanism established by the interior minister.
2 – Gender shall be considered in the selection of candidates for membership of the Commission.
3 – The highest ranking judge out of the justice and administrative judges will head the Commission and if they are at the same rank, the oldest judge will be the head and one of the eldest Bar Association heads will be the Vice President.
4 – The parties referred to in this Article shall nominate the candidates within one month from the date on which they are notified of the request to select the names.
5 – If there is a delay in nominating a candidate from a particular category, the Cabinet shall be appointed to nominate by a proposal from the Minister of that category.
Source: Parliamentary Election Law, art. 10: https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
https://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx%20(2017)
Verified: 2024/11/20
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
b . 11 - 20 members (specify)
Comments: Article 10: Composition of the Commission
1 – The Commission consists of eleven members
Source: Parliamentary Election Law, art. 10: https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
https://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx%20(2017)
Verified: 2024/11/20
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments:
Source: Parliamentary Election Law, art. 10: https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
https://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx%20(2017)
Verified: 2024/11/20
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
c . Executive
Comments: Article 11: Appointment of the Commission and its mandate
1 – The members shall be appointed by a decree in the Council of Ministers upon the proposal of the Interior Minister.
2 -The mandate of the members of the Commission shall commence from the date of the issuance of their decree of appointment on the basis of the decision of the Cabinet and shall terminate after six months from the date of completion of general Parliamentary elections.
3 – The Cabinet shall appoint the members of the Commission one month before the end of the mandate of its term.
4 – The existing Commission will continue to pursue its duties functions until a new body is appointed.
Source: Parliamentary Election Law art. 11: https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
https://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx%20(2017)
Verified: 2024/11/20
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
d . National Government
Comments: During the electoral campaign, audiovisual media outlets should specify at least three hours a week in order to broadcast educational electoral programs that are produced by the ministries of information and interior in coordination with the relevant media outlets.
Source: Official website of the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities:
http://elections.gov.lb/Home.aspx
Parliamentary Election Law, art. 75:
https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
https://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx%20(2017)
Verified: 2024/11/20
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
b . Election time only
Comments:
Source: Official website of the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities:
http://elections.gov.lb/Home.aspx
Parliamentary Election Law, art. 75:
https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
Verified: 2024/11/20
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
e . Yes, conducted by the Government h . Yes, conducted by NGOs/ Civic Organizations
Comments: Recent campaigns were in collaboration with UNDP.
Source: https://lebanon.ec-undp-electoralassistance.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2020/11/LEAP-Phase-II_00119194-Factsheet-March-2020.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
f . 21
Comments: Every Lebanese citizen who has completed his twenty-first year is an elector.
Source: Constitution, art. 21: http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship d . Naturalization
Comments: Every Lebanese individual who has attained the legal age stipulated in the constitution, whether or not resident on the Lebanese territory, shall be entitled to vote.
A naturalized Lebanese person may not vote or stand for election until ten years after the implementation of a naturalization decree. This law does not apply to women who become Lebanese through marriage with a Lebanese citizen.
Source: Constitution, art. 21: http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf
Parliamentary Election Law art. 3, 5: https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
https://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx%20(2017)
Verified: 2024/11/20
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
a . Central Government Department (specify)
Comments: The General Directorate of Personal Status for each administrative district shall form a list of the names of eligible voters. These lists are to include the names of all voters who registered at least one year prior to the start of the re-examination of the electoral lists on November 20 of each year.
Source: Parliamentary Election Law, art. 26: https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
https://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx%20(2017)
Verified: 2024/11/20
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: It is required for voters to be on the electoral lists and no one shall be restricted except those stated in the provisions of Article 461 of the Penal Code.
Source: Parliamentary Election Law, art. 24: https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
https://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx%20(2017)
Verified: 2024/11/20
Parties and Candidates
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship
Comments: A candidate standing to be a member of the Parliament shall be a Lebanese citizen who has attained 25 years of age and maintains their civil and political rights.
1 – A declaration to the Ministry of Interior, General Directorate for Political Affairs and Refugees signed by personally and certified by the signature to the public notary in accordance with a model developed by the latter containing:
a – Their full name including their father’s name.
b – Determining the seat, the judiciary and the district for which they wish to nominate themselves. Attach the following documents to the declaration:
– An individual record not exceeding one month – Two photos authenticated by a mukhtar
– A financial receipt from the financial fund confirming the deposit of the nomination fee which is LL 8 million ($5,292).
– A bank certificate confirming the opening of the electoral campaign account provided for in this law, including the name of the auditor approved by the candidate.
– A copy of the list of final voters confirming the registration of the candidate signed by the personal status officer chosen of the primary registration committee in the concerned district
– A declaration from the candidate organized by the public notary, including the name of the auditor and a certified copy shall be submitted to the Supervisory Commission for Parliamentary Elections. – A declaration by the public notary giving the Commission permission to view and disclose bank accounts related to the electoral campaign of the candidate.
Source: Parliamentary Election Law, art. 7 and 45: https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
https://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx%20(2017)
Verified: 2024/11/20
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: A person who meets the conditions to be a Member of the Parliament may nominate themselves for any electoral district however they are not allowed to nominate themselves in more than one district.
Source: Parliamentary Election Law, art. 44; https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
Verified: 2024/11/20
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
a . No
Comments: There is no law regulating the finance of political parties.
Source: Parliamentary Election Law: hhttps://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
https://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx%20(2017)
Verified: 2024/11/20
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: Political parties are not entitled to receive public funding.
Source: Parliamentary Election Law: https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
Verified: 2024/11/20
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 60: Spending and Financing
1 – The candidate may spend amounts of their own funds for their own election campaign. The money of the spouse or any of the assets or branches shall be regarded as the candidate’s own money. All expenses incurred or paid by the candidate from their own money for his election campaign shall be subject to the expenditure ceiling.
2 – No contribution shall be made to the electoral campaign of a candidate or a list may except by Lebanese national or legal persons.
3 – It is strictly prohibited for the candidate or the list to accept or receive contributions or assistance issued by a foreign country or by a non-Lebanese person, whether natural or legal, directly or indirectly.
4 – Contribution in the sense of this law shall not be considered as the services of individuals who volunteered without charge.
5 – The contribution made by a single natural or legal Lebanese person to finance the electoral campaign of a candidate or a list shall not exceed 50 percent of the electoral expenditure ceiling specified in Article 60 of this law and shall always be in accordance with a banking process (transfer, Credit card, etc) subject to the fourth paragraph of Article 58 of this law.
6 -The total amount of contributions received by any candidate shall not exceed the electoral expenditure ceiling as specified in Article 60 of this law, nor may contributions be accepted through an intermediary.
Source: Parliamentary Election Law, art. 60: https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
https://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx%20(2017)
Verified: 2024/11/20
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments: After voting polls are closed, the door will be closed to everyone except poll observers, campaign correspondents, voting supervisors and media representatives to record inside the polling stations. The polling station head will open the ballot boxes and count the number of votes compared to the registered voters. If the numbers differ, this will be noted in the final report. The polling station head will open each ballot box one-by-one and announce each vote winner and each preferential vote winner. This will be monitored by campaign correspondents, voting supervisors and other authorities.
Source: Lebanese Elections Law, art. 100: https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
https://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx%20(2017)
Verified: 2024/11/20
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
e . Court order
Comments: They will recount votes based on the following:
– Reviewing the ballots in a clear and transparent manner, under the supervision of campaign correspondents, voting supervisors and registration committees.
– Voting ballots will be counted by a computer program automatically.
If there is controversy or contradictions to the final poll station reports, the votes will be recounted manually, by hand.
Source: Lebanese Elections Law, art. 101 (3), 106: https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
https://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx%20(2017)
Verified: 2024/11/20
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments: The Electoral Law regulates only paid electoral promotion.
Article 71: Paid electoral advertising
Advertising and publicity shall be permitted in media and advertising means, in accordance with the following provisions:
1 – The media and advertising agencies that wish to participate in the electoral advertising shall let the commission know at least ten days before the beginning of the campaign period with a declaration announcing the desire to participate along with a list of prices and the space that they want to allocate for publicity or election announcement
2 – The media and advertising agencies shall abide by the list of prices and spaces provided by it and shall not have the right to reject any electoral declaration requested by a list or a candidate
3 – It is prohibited for media and advertising agencies that did not submit their declaration within the time limit to carry out any advertising activity during the entire campaign period
4 – The media and advertising agencies must clearly state when they broadcast or publish for election ads, that these ads are in exchange for money, and to specify who requested this election ad
5 – It is prohibited for the media and advertising agencies to accept free advertisements or accept a fee that differs from what is included in the price list
6 – The candidate or its legal agent shall submit a copy of the electoral advertising tapes accompanied by a written reservation request to the committee and the media and advertising agencies for its broadcast or publication, at least three days before the chosen date for the publication or broadcast of the electoral ad
7 – Each media or advertising agency shall submit a subsequent weekly report to the commission, including a statement of the electoral advertisements and declarations that have been broadcasted or published in the prior week with the dates of broadcast or publication of each of them and the amount of money paid for it.
Source: Parliamentary Election Law, art. 68 and 71: https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
https://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx%20(2017)
Verified: 2024/11/20
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments:
Source: Parliamentary Election Law, art. 68,69: http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf
https://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx%20(2017)
Verified: 2024/11/20
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
f . 10 or more days
Comments: 4 – It is prohibited to spread, broadcast or distribute all opinion polls and comments made on them in the 10 days preceding the elections and until the closure of all ballot boxes.
Source: Parliamentary Election, art. 79 (4): https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
https://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx%20(2017)
Verified: 2024/11/20
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: No candidate may allocate more than 50% of its total advertising expenditure to one media or advertising agency
Source: Parliamentary Election Law, art.71: https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
https://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx%20(2017)
Verified: 2024/11/20
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=124&database_theme=309
Verified: 2013/01/25
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=124&database_theme=309
Verified: 2024/11/20
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=124&database_theme=309
Verified: 2024/11/20
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=124&database_theme=309
Verified: 2024/11/20
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=124&database_theme=309
Verified: 2024/11/20
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/country?country=124&database_theme=309
Verified: 2024/11/20
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution: http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution: http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution: http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/LebaneseSystem/Documents/Lebanese%20Constitution.pdf
Verified: 2024/11/20
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments: The electoral district is divided into a number of polling centers that include several polling stations as per a decision by the interior minister. Each village that has a minimum of 100 voters and maximum of 400 will have one polling station. This number can be increased to more than 400 voters in one polling station if the safety of the electoral operation called for that where it shouldn’t exceed 600 voters. The number of polling stations with each center cannot exceed 20. The minister’s decision regarding distributing the polling stations will be published in the Official Gazette and on the ministry’s website at least 20 days before the Election Day. Amending this distribution in the week that precedes Election Day isn’t permitted except for serious reasons and a justified decision.
Source: Lebanese Elections Law, art. 84: https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
https://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx%20(2017)
Verified: 2024/11/20
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country
Comments: Voters outside of Lebanon are entitled to the same privileges stipulated in Articles 1 and 2 of this article, at Lebanese embassies and consulates abroad, who in turn shall immediately refer them to the Directorate General of Personal Status by the Foreign Ministry. The Director General of Personal Status will then immediately refer the files to the relevant registration committees to take the proper measures.
Source: Lebanese Elections Law art. 34: https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
Verified: 2024/11/20
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies b . Consulates
Comments:
Source: Lebanese Elections Law art. 34: https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
Verified: 2024/11/20
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments: The ministry provides the polling stations with a number of official ballot papers that are pre-printed as well as envelopes that are exactly equal to the number of registered voters. It also hands them with an additional number of official ballot papers and envelopes equal to 20 percent of the registered voters.
2 -The official polling ballots include the names of all lists and its members as well the as specifications that the ministry sets accordingly: the list’s color and name and an empty space that is specified for any one of them. As well as the candidate’s three-names, their sect and the small district they are running for. Next to the name of every candidate there will be a photo of them and to next to that there will be an empty space where the voter can place their vote within the list with their preferential vote based on the provisions of this law.
3 – The voter exclusively votes through these papers and nothing else and is not allowed to use others to vote.
Source: Lebanese Elections Law, art. 91-92: https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
https://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx%20(2017)
Verified: 2024/11/20
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