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Lebanon's civil society groups gear up for 2018 elections

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Lebanon's civil society has actively called over the last few months for a law based on proportional representation, as well as a series of reforms that are considered to be necessary for the transparency of the electoral process. With the new law in place and with the parliament's term expiring June 20, Lebanese civil society is now preparing itself for the second phase of its battle: participation in the upcoming elections, expected in 11 months, after the current parliament extended its term for the third consecutive time since 2013. "This is definitely a positive step, yet insufficient," said Zeina el-Helou, the secretary-general of the Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections. "The parties in power have minimized the effect of the proportional representation and sustained confessionalism through the number and division of districts. This is not to mention that several essential reforms, such as the female quota, lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 or the creation of an independent authority, were not included in the law." She continued: “In addition, the electoral expenditures have been effectively increased; in fact, to the individual $100,000 allowed disbursements — that are yet to be capped now, while there was no explicit ceiling before — another $100,000 was added, that can be disbursed by the electoral list on each candidate. A third reform is the rise of the permitted variable expenditure per voter to 5,000 Lebanese pounds, [compared to] 4,000 Lebanese pounds in 2009.” Concretely, this translated into more than $500,000 of legal expenditures in a district of 100,000 voters.

Despite these failures and the postponement of elections until May 2018, the battle to break through the next parliament is already underway. Nadine Moussa is an active member of Lebanese civil society who will participate in the elections as an “independent candidate,” she told Al-Monitor. "My decision is in line with my personal struggle for years in favor of a state of law, but it is also motivated by a deep conviction that the Lebanese are more than ever thirsty for a serious and solid alternative to the current feudal, confessional and corrupt system of governance that has been in place for decades," she added. "I also decided to run in the elections in order to contribute to a feminine dynamic against the traditional ‘men’s club.’” In 2013, Moussa, a lawyer and mother of two children, submitted her candidacy with other members of the Take Back Parliament movement, before the Lebanese Assembly decided not to hold any elections and to extend its term. Other activists within civil society are also potential candidates. Artist Nada Sehnaoui had already run in the 1998 municipal elections before appearing again in 2016 as a candidate on the Beirut Madinati list, which included 12 women and 12 men from different professional backgrounds. The list was pitted against another that was supported by all the political parties in power. Against the odds, Beirut Madinati gathered nearly 40% of the votes — a “civil” phenomenon observed for the first time in a country that has always been dominated by traditional confessional parties. Beirut Madinati has quickly become a label of alternative governance and progressivism among the Lebanese. If the coalition officially decides not to participate in the legislative ballot, some of its members will run individually or within a group of Beirut Madinati.

"I have not yet made my final decision, but this is secondary. My candidate is the political program that will be adopted by a united civil society,” Sehnaoui told Al-Monitor. Since July 2016, an informal team of activists that Nada Sehnaoui joined has been working on this front. "The idea is to create the nucleus of a broad coalition that would include all individuals, movements and parties wishing to run in the elections on the basis of a program that would encompass all the dimensions of public life, including economic, social and environmental policies and reforms," she said. While some activists are still hesitant, emerging parties, such as Sabaa (Arabic for seven), have already started their battle and are forging their electoral lists in several parts of the country. "Sabaa has now more than 2,000 members, a large network of contacts and key members with substantial experience in policymaking," Ziad Hayek, the director of the party's board, told Al-Monitor. Hayek has been the secretary-general of the High Council for Privatization since 2006, a highly ranked public position he maintained despite his decision to rally and actively contribute to the Social Movement in 2015, amid an unprecedented waste crisis in the country. "I don’t intend to run in the elections, but I fully support the current driving energy among some groups. … I have been living an internal dilemma, not to say a revolt, for several years now because no public policy issue has ever been taken seriously since I joined office," he said.

Consensus inevitable as Lebanon’s political map is redrawn

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By Rami Rayess - middle-east-online.com - BEIRUT Cabinet meeting at the presidential palace of Baabda Lebanon’s protracted political crisis seems to be coming to an end. After many troubled months, indicators point to consensus has been reached over a new electoral law with fresh alliances are forming ahead of the introduction of a new voting system. The most recent Lebanese elections were in June 2009. Since then, parliament extended its term twice, both times under the pretext of security. With the current parliament’s mandate to expire June 20, a third extension looks almost inevitable before elections, set for May 2018, take place under the new system.

Historically, every Lebanese election since 1943 has been the spur for a staggering amount of political debate over the best electoral system under which to have the vote. These debates produced only adjustments to a system weighted for the benefit of whatever ruling faction is in power. For instance, under Syrian tutelage, the law was adapted according to the best interests of Syria’s allies with minimal possibility of protest for their opponents. However, rather than simply an adjustment in favour of the country’s competing elites, the new law marks a drastic shift in how votes are measured and what governments are appointed. It is a shift from the majoritarian voting system of winner-take-all to the proportional representative system of competing closed lists, with parliament’s structure decided on the proportion of overall votes won.

The new system looks set to not only redraw Lebanon’s political map but to pave the way for new factions to enter parliament, some for the first time. Civil society activists, long excluded from direct participation in the mechanics of government, may be able to enter parliament and the traditional coalitions built after the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri also look set to be revisited. Moreover, the country’s traditional coalitions, the March 8 grouping (made up of Syria’s allies, Hezbollah and the Free Patriotic Movement) and the March 14 coalition (made up of current Prime Minister Saad Hariri, the Christian Lebanese Forces and leader of the Progressive Socialist Party, Walid Jumblatt, before his withdrawal in 2009) all look to end with the replacement of the current voting system. Furthermore, the apparent rapprochement between Lebanon’s two largest Christian parties appears to be undergoing change. Following decades of differences, struggle and even military conflict, the détente between the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) and the Lebanese Forces (LF) seems to be experiencing a period of flux, as the longstanding alliance between the FPM and Hezbollah continues to draw the FPM closer into the Army of God’s orbit. Whether the FPM will be able to compromise its old alliance with Hezbollah, which is highly antagonistic to the Lebanese Forces, is a serious question. Furthermore, whether FPM’s alliance with LF will survive amid fierce competition over parliamentary seats in the so-called Christian provinces is also questionable. LF leader Samir Geagea started nominating his candidates for several of electoral districts before the agreement on the new electoral law was reached. More than anything, it is a clear signal to its rivals that the LF is intent on getting what it clearly regards as its due share of the electoral cake.

In southern and Beqaa districts, there are few surprises anticipated as the consistently successful alliance between Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri and Hezbollah, which has held since 1992, looks set to continue unchallenged. However, the question remains as to how other electoral alliances, such as those between Jumblatt’s Progressive Socialist Party and Hariri, or that between Berri and FPM and others may fare. The Sunni street seems quite upset with several policies pursued by Hariri. For evidence, look at Beirut’s municipal elections, during which Hariri’s list managed victory by the slenderest of margins. In Tripoli, Lebanon’s second largest city and one with a sweeping Sunni majority, Hariri’s list fell short of winning. That the Lebanese political map is to be redrawn along new lines appears inevitable. However, regardless of whatever weight any party or faction might hold, Lebanon’s history has provided ample proof time and time again that, without consensus, politics in this country rarely works.

Rami Rayess is editor-in-chief of Lebanese Al Anbaa Electronic Newspaper (anbaaonline.com) and spokesman for the Progressive Socialist Party in Lebanon. This article was originally published in The Arab Weekly.

Lebanese parliament passes law paving way for new polls

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by Al Jazeera - Lebanon's parliament has ratified a new electoral law, paving the way for the first national elections since 2009. The law passed with a broad majority on Friday after weeks of intensive negotiations between the country's various parties. The new law preserves the seat allocations in parliament to the country's various Muslim and Christian sects, despite objections by civil society campaigners. A few members of parliament, including Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel, independent politician Boutros Harb and Assem Qanso of the Baath Party, also opposed the move. Some activists rallied outside parliament to denounce the electoral law, which they said fell short of their expectations, according to the website An Nahar. The Associated Press news agency reported that security forces beat a handful of demonstrators who tried to block politicians' motorcades outside the parliament building. Lebanon’s parliament to vote on reforms On Wednesday, the cabinet approved the new electoral law, which will be based on proportional representation and 15 electoral districts, replacing the winner-takes-all system for the first time in the country's history. Parliamentary elections are slated to be held in May 2018. The sitting parliament has extended its own term three times since it originally expired in 2013. The dispute among Lebanese political leaders over the new law has threatened to plunge the country into a political crisis and leave it without a parliament for the first time. The current term of the parliament, which has been extended twice since it was elected in 2009, was due to expire on June 20. The law, which introduces a so-called "preferential vote" system, will replace an old, sectarian-based law passed in 1960. In October 2016, Lebanon's parliament elected President Michel Aoun after a 29-month power vacuum that grew out of bickering between the political factions. Source: News agencies

by naharnet Prime Minister Saad Hariri walked out Friday of a parliamentary session dedicated to discussing and passing the new electoral law after a verbal clash with Kataeb Party chief MP Sami Gemayel. The heated debate erupted after Gemayel accused the government of approving an 11-month extension of parliament's term in order to have enough time to “offer electoral bribes.” At that point Hariri interrupted Gemayel, insisting that “this is not what the government is doing.” “Do not interrupt me, let me finish my remarks,” Gemayel responded. The exchange prompted Hariri to leave the parliament hall but he eventually returned after Gemayel finished his statement. Speaker Nabih Berri later asked that Gemayel's remarks be omitted from the session's minutes of meeting, prompting the young lawmaker to say, “You can delete this phrase but no one can prevent us from saying what we want to say.” The electoral law was later approved by parliament amid the objections of the Kataeb Party, MP Butros Harb, MP Assem Qansou and other lawmakers.

by middleeasteye.net At least seven people were injured in Beirut on Friday as Lebanese security personnel used batons and sticks to break up a demonstration against a new electoral law introduced earlier this week, eyewitnesses reported. Demonstrators had organised in front of the parliamentary building in the Lebanese capital to protest an agreement reached on Tuesday between Lebanon’s rival parties paving the way for an eventual parliamentary election. “We were treated with unprecedented brutality just for trying to defend our basic rights,” Lucien Bourjeily, one of the protest organisers and a Youstink activist told Middle East Eye. The Youstink movement, a civil group originally established to protest Lebanon's rubbish crisis, has organised many protests since its establishment in 2015. The movement was accused by the government of forming gang riots and causing civil disruption. A video that was circulated over social media showed two women among the protests brutally beaten by soldiers. According to Beirut-based journalist Kareem Chehayeb, the incident was sparked by protesters attempting to enter Najmeh Square, where the Lebanese parliament is based. "All the small streets leading to the square are usually barred by security forces. Whenever there's a protests, they seal those streets shut," Chehayeb told MEE. "The protesters wanted to show the opposition to the electoral law by entering Najmeh Square," said Chehayeb. "Despite not using any violence, security forces beat them up as they tried to walk into the square." “We were protesting the illegal extension of parliament for a fourth time and the postponing of the elections once again,” “The elections should have happened by now,” added Bourjeily. The agreement reached on Tuesday averted a crisis that had threatened to unravel the political deal that brought president Michel Aoun to office last year, more than two years after the previous president left.

Just Real Estate invests in new Lebanon project

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byPeter Alagos - Property service provider Just Real Estate unveiled on Tuesday ‘View Bchamoun’, the company’s latest project in Lebanon, during a ceremony held at JRE’s sales centre at Al Shoumoukh Tower in Doha. Located 200 metres above sea level in Aley, a district in Mount Lebanon, the View Bchamoun project offers potential investment options in the luxury residential and lifestyle destination, said engineer Nasser al-Ansari, JRE chairman, who noted that the project is expected to be completed “by the end of 2018.” The complex comprises 144 apartments, with options from two- to four-bedrooms, distributed across nine sophisticated buildings, said al-Ansari, adding View Bchamoun’s design reflects Lebanon’s lush green mountain surrounds; designers and developers created a holistic residential hub with a focus on the residents’ well-being. Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the event, al-Ansari noted that Lebanon is one of JRE’s key markets. “There is a large Lebanese community demanding investment opportunities, and as a trustworthy property developer, we can assure them that Just Real Estate can cater to their needs.” “Also, Qatar has a large Lebanese community and to reach out to them, we have launched marketing and advertising campaigns on social media, and we are also launching the project in Lebanon,” al-Ansari further said.

Lebanon’s Ghassan Salamé now seen as favourite to replace Kobler

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By Libya Herald reporter - Paris-based Lebanese academic Ghassan Salamé is the front-runner to replace current Lybia UN special envoy Martin Kobler when he leaves the job at the end of the month, high-level diplomatic sources say. According to one diplomat, Salamé, a former Lebanese government minister, is the favourite out of four candidates. His name as Kobler’s successor was apparently run past UN-backed Prime Minister Faiez Serraj some days ago to ensure no objections. Those who matter in the UN believe Salamé is “the right man for the job”, another diplomat told the Libya Herald, and that he now had all the necessary approvals behind the scenes. A board member of the International Crisis Group, the International Peace Institute and various other organisations, Salamé was Lebanon’s culture minister from 2000 to 2003 and then served as a senior advisor to both Kofi Annan and Ban Ki-moon when they were UN secretary-generals. He was also political adviser to the UN mission in Iraq. He is currently head of the Paris School of International Affairs.

Salame is understood to be the 29th person to be offered the job. “No one want to do it,” explained one diplomatic source. “They see it as an impossible task.” An announcement about the successor may come as soon as this week. Last night, a farewell dinner was held in Tunis for Kobler who had already indicated his departure earlier in the day. Rumours have been rife throughout the year as to Kobler’s replacement, with some recent reports suggesting current UN-envoy to Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed would take up the role. He was a deputy special envoy to Libya and head of UNDP in the country, serving under both Tarek Mitri of Lebanon and Bernardino Leon. However, according to House of Representatives member Abubakr Buera, who was also a member of the UN-brokered Libya Dialogue, Ahmed “does not enjoy the support and support that Ghassan Salama has in the various Libyan circles”.

Cabinet Approves Electoral Law, Extends Parliament Term to May

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Source Naharnet After marathon talks and an eleventh-hour agreement, the Cabinet on Wednesday approved a new electoral law based on proportional representation and 15 electoral districts, replacing the winner-takes-all system for the first time in the country's history. The Cabinet also approved an 11-month technical extension of parliament's term until May 20, 2018, and stipulated that the elections should be held within the 60 days that precede the expiry of the legislature's term. Media reports said the elections will be held on May 6. Ahead of the session, a committee was formed to “reformulate” the law format and fine-tune it. Aoun congratulated the conferees at the beginning of the session on what he described as a “great achievement,” noting that “the majoritarian system (the 1960 law) did not secure just representation.”

“Cabinet will remain in session until it approves it,” he added. For his part, Hariri stated that the “1960 law is behind us now and the extension we resort to is technical in order to hold modern, transparent and fair elections.” After approval, the law was sent to Parliament for ratification, and Speaker Nabih Berri has scheduled a session for 2:00 pm Friday. Prime Minister Saad Hariri praised the new elections law as a "historic achievement." The agreement came days before the legislature's term was to end on June 20 — avoiding sending the country into a fresh political crisis. Before the session began, Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq announced that he would request a one-year technical extension of parliament's term, explaining that preparing electronic cards for voters requires no less than seven months.

Industry Minister Hussein al-Hajj Hassan said: “The significance of the newly approved law is that it introduced a proportional representation system for the first time, although we would have favored that the (so-called) preferential vote be counted in the electoral district instead of the administrative district.” For his part, Education Minister Marwan Hamadeh criticized the format saying “it takes us back to sectarianism instead of distancing it away.” Aoun and Hariri had held a closed-door meeting before the cabinet convened and discussed the rest of the law details. They were joined later by Mashnouq. The electoral draft law splits Beirut into two districts and moves the minorities seat to the first district. The first district contains Ashrafieh, Rmeil, Saifi and Medawwar while the second contains Bashoura, Marfa, Zokak al-Blat, Mazraa, Ras Beirut, Ain el-Mreisseh, Minet el-Hosn and Mousaitbeh.

Cyprus supports Lebanon in disputed oil blocks with Israel

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BEIRUT(Xinhua) -- Visiting Cyprus Foreign minister Ioannis Kasoulidis stressed Tuesday his country's support to Lebanon in the face of terrorism and the disputed oil blocks with Israel. Kasoulidis said in a joint press conference after meeting with his Lebanese counterpart Gebran Bassil "we cannot stand and watch Lebanon under [the threat] of terrorism without taking action." Lebanon's Defense Minister Yaacoub Sarraf Saturday announced that Lebanon will receive 15M euro (16.79 million U.S. dollars) in military aid from Cyprus. This is the latest in military aid the Lebanese Army has received in recent months. The aid to the army and the arms delivery come as the military increased its targeting of militants along the northeastern border. During the meeting, the counterparts discussed bilateral relations and means of further development, including boosting Lebanese exports to the EU through Cyprus.