Electoral Reform: Lebanon’s Magic Bullet

Two prominent civil society leaders in Lebanon, who are alumni of MEPI-funded programs, recently published an article in The Daily Star advocating the necessity of a new electoral law for the country.

“A new electoral law can allow for implementation of all the clauses of the frozen Taif accord and reinforce trust in its ability to cement democracy,” according to the article, titled “Lebanon’s Medium-Term Magic Bullet.”

The commentary goes on to discuss how this important reform initiative is a vital step toward ensuring stability in Lebanon in the years to come.  “A way out of the current morass is possible,” the authors write, “if serious negotiations over a new, fair and democratic electoral law begin immediately.”

The authors, who received funding from MEPI to support reform projects undertaken by the Lebanese Center for Policy Studies and the Lebanese Transparency Association, suggested that “an acceptable electoral law not only depends on fair electoral districting, but on introducing such reform measures as the regulation of campaign financing and advertising, and setting up an independent electoral commission.”

They conclude their analysis by stating that negotiating and passing a new electoral law “would divert attention away from the streets, rekindle the national dialogue and, more crucially, allow political leaders to claim ownership of fateful decisions affecting Lebanon’s future and stability.”