Projects Database / Strengthening Electoral Processes in Lebanon
Project ID
00063616
Background
In this project, the UNDP moves beyond the traditional short-term technical assistance to electoral events to propose longer term capacity development to electoral institutions and technical assistance to improve electoral processes with a view to making these more transparent, participatory and independent. In post-conflict environments, holding “free and fair” elections is only a first step on the road to stable democracy. Elections alone are not enough to allow democratic values to flourish, this is important to couple electoral assistance with broader ranging initiatives involving the Lebanese people as a whole, its civil society and especially the younger generation to foster the culture of democracy to go beyond the ballot boxes into a more stable formula of good governance.
This issue of electoral law reform is of utmost importance for all Lebanese. An agreement on one acceptable electoral law has been a pending issue in the post Tai'f system in Lebanon. Lebanon has witnessed four parliamentary elections since 1992 and three different electoral laws. This question has always been on the agenda of the national dialogue.
In order to ensure the highest standards for the upcoming elections, UNDP has been involved since September 2005 with a project of Technical Assistance to promote electoral law reform. This project in its first phase provided technical assistance to the independent National Special Commission on electoral law reform in Lebanon, which developed a proposal for a new electoral law for Lebanon. The project was formulated in response to the Commission’s request and in consultation with it. It also drew upon international expertise, especially the UN’s Electoral Assistance Division and UNDP’s democratic governance expertise globally and regionally. The project in its Phase II carried out the reform task and explained the proposed reforms to the public in partnership with civil society organizations up to the final approval of a new electoral law by the Lebanese parliament on October 2008.
Several things have made this current project a priority project. On one hand, Lebanon is embarking on a new phase in the development of its democracy and there is a broad consensus nationally that electoral reform is essential to consolidating good governance, democratic practices and the rule of law. On the other hand, the Doha agreement that came on the heels of May’s civil disturbances has given Lebanon an opportunity to address the long-pending issue of electoral reform. More than that, it has been given a high priority in the national political agenda.
Achievements & Expected Results
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Lebanon
