This report has been produced by the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Lebanon 2018 and contains the conclusions of its observation of the parliamentary elections on 6 May.
The parliamentary elections in Lebanon in 2018 saw the introduction of innovations such as a new proportional system, voting by expatriates and increased voter secrecy. All were recommended by the EU EOM in 2009 and had the effect of widening the fields of competition and choice for the electorate. Stronger campaign finance regulations and capacity to implement them, in a country where campaign spending is high, are needed to support a level playing field, particularly for a new generation of independents and women. There was a remarkable increase in the number of female candidates standing. However, only six were elected and women remain severely under-represented in politics. The adoption of temporary special measures could accelerate women’s political participation in line with Lebanon’s international obligations. Unequal access to the media, which favoured those with the largest campaign funds, could be addressed.
