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Statement May 13 : The March
Because they still tailor the electoral law to fit their political sizes, and because they have long dealt with crisis by temporary solutions that bolster factionalism and sectarianism at the expense of developing institutions and strengthening their independence and transparency;
Because we refuse that the electoral law be dealt with as a pawn on the board of internal political alliances and their extensions abroad, we are here to assert that the proportional representation system with Lebanon as a single district with no sectarian quotas and with the establishment of a Senate is the best system for Lebanon, for it is the system that ensures justice among Lebanese citizens with no distinction between one Lebanese and the other except on the basis of qualification and experience. This is our strategic choice, keeping in mind that the Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform has proposed as a transitional phase a draft law that adopts proportional representation with middle-sized districts, which constitutes an important opening that will allow us to break out of the vicious circle we have been caught up in since the end of the Civil War.
We are a group of citizens, associations and civil movements who affirm our right to a modern electoral law which ensures fair representation; we want a democratic law that:
- Gives the Lebanese youth between the ages of 18 and 21 the right to vote
- ensures that the Lebanese expatriate is able to practice his right to vote abroad
- Enhances female representation in politics by adopting a quota for women
- respects the right of people with special needs to vote independently and with dignity
- ensures the secrecy of the ballot through the adoption of the pre-printed ballot and other measures
- Limits the impact and influence of money in elections
- Grants all candidates equal space and coverage in the media
Accordingly, we call for the adoption of an electoral law based on proportional representation with mixed, diverse and equal districts which would contribute to the advancement of our society towards the civil democratic state we are seeking.
Beirut, May 13, 2012
Press Conference Inviting to13th of May
Proportional Representation is worthy of action!
They created, designed and drafted electoral laws in different forms for decades where they took into account colors, measurements and sizes to present to the Lebanese people masterpieces that are as varied as their coalitions.
Despite their deteriorating situation, the Lebanese citizens were burdened and occupied with the politicians’ quarrels, instead of the politicians lifting the many burdens that citizens carry by drafting laws that preserve their liberty, maintain their rights, keep them away from sectarianism and bolster their sense of citizenship.
They tried to remedy the situation by temporary solutions that had limited political and factionalist characteristics, which kept the Lebanese citizens stuck in an empty circle characterized by nothing but patched-up solutions.
We waited in the hope that their choices become more objective and take into consideration the interest of the voter as a citizen of this state and not individual voter interests, but our wait was in vain.
***
We are a group of progressive and civil forces made up of independents, activists and civil society associations, who have come here today to demand the adoption of a proportional representation electoral system and to reject the continued practice of tampering with citizen affairs by proposing temporary and patch-up draft electoral laws.
We are here to reaffirm that the electoral law is one of the most important laws that contribute to the advancement of any society in the world, for it is the natural gateway to political reform since it improves popular representation in the general elections.
The people are the source of any authority but they will not be a true source of these authorities without the appropriate and effective mechanisms. The legislative authority is the one that elects the President of the Republic, gives the vote of confidence to the government and monitors its work, approves the general budget which summarizes the Cabinet’s general plan, and issues laws and legislation. Therefore, any defect in the formation of the legislative authority leads to faults in all other authorities, which in turn results in problems in the country as a whole, and that is what is happening in Lebanon.
We are here, with no political background or interests, to assert that the proportional representation system with Lebanon as a single district with no sectarian quotas and with the establishment of a Senate is the best system for Lebanon, for it is the system that ensures justice among Lebanese citizens with no distinction between one Lebanese or the other except on the basis of qualification and experience. But for us to be able to achieve this, we propose as a temporary measure the adoption of the proportional representation system with middle-sized districts which would encourage the voter to choose his/her representative on the basis of programs rather than limited individual interests.
We are here to affirm that the proportional representation system, unlike the majoritarian system, does not eliminate anyone’s vote but represents the voters’ choices most accurately. It also gives the people’s representatives true legitimacy which would strengthen their position and allows them to overcome more easily any difficulties that might arise as they are fulfilling their responsibilities.
We are here to confirm that we are proposing the proportional representation system because we believe in the fairness of this system and its importance to building an effective citizen who elects the program which represents his/her political, social and economic preferences rather than his individual and clientalistic interests.
We want a system that enables us to choose our representatives and hold them accountable for their performance and their respect of the mandate they were assigned by the citizens who elected them.
We are a group of citizens, associations and civil movements who believe that it is our duty to defend our citizenship and to demand just representation separate of sectarian bargaining and political alignments.
We are here today to assert that we want a modern electoral law that:
- Respects the citizen’s political rights
- gives the Lebanese youth between the ages of 18 and 21 the right to vote
- ensures that the Lebanese expatriate is able to practice his right to vote abroad
- respects people with special needs and their right to vote independently and with dignity
- ensures the secrecy of the ballot
- Limits the impact of money in elections
- Grants all candidates equal space and coverage in the media
- Encourages women to run for elections
Accordingly, we call on the different political groups and authorities to work seriously for the adoption of the best law for Lebanon without any further delays or procrastination, for they are fully aware of the advantages of the proportional representation system but are attempting to tailor the law to fit their interests and not those of Lebanon and its citizens.
We decided to gather before the deadline set by the Cabinet in its Ministerial Statement to adopt a new law for the Parliamentary elections in 2013 for us all to demand a modern law which fulfills our aspirations by incorporating the proportional representation system and other reforms.
For all these reasons we invite you to join us in the march that will take place this Sunday the 13th of May at 12 noon from the vicinity of the Ministry of Interior, passing through the Grand Serail and ending in the Parliament.
Beirut, May 10, 2012
press conference statement 26-04-2012
Thirteen months remain till the upcoming Parliamentary elections in 2013.
One month remains till the deadline set by the Cabinet in its Ministerial Statement in order to expedite the procedures that should be adopted as to pave the way for the electoral law to be put in force at least one year prior to the Parliamentary elections in 2013.
Despite these facts, we have yet to move forward.
It is currently being circulated in the Media that the next Cabinet session will be devoted to debating the Parliamentary electoral law, and thus the Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform hopes that the Cabinet concludes its study of the draft law in its next session and refers it to the Parliament. The Campaign further emphasizes that it is essential for the proposed law to adopt the proportional representation system and the rest of the reforms that CCER had put forth in its previous Press Conference and has called for in every statement that it has issued ever since in its effort to improve the electoral process.
With the attempts to prolong debate on details and issues unrelated to reform, we are concerned that this is a prelude to postponing the elections or holding it according to the current law 25/2008, under the pretext of lack of time and inability to implement the reforms in the remaining period.
Accordingly, the Campaign reemphasizes that postponing the elections is absolutely unacceptable for it constitutes a violation of basic democratic principles which call for the succession of power and a violation of the right of citizens to political participation through general and periodic elections; a right that is reinforced in all international charters and covenants on Human Rights, which Lebanon has committed to and included in its Constitution.
On the other hand, the Campaign welcomes the positions expressed by the President of the Republic which endorse the proportional representation system and support the application of the necessary mechanisms for out-of-country voting, which it hopes will be put in force very soon, particularly following the adoption of a mechanism for implementing expatriate voting in yesterday’s Cabinet session, a mechanism whose detailed methods should be identified very soon.
In this context, CCER would like to clarify an issue that has been deliberated in the media recently regarding the concerns expressed by some non-resident Lebanese of losing their right to vote if their name is removed from the voters lists within Lebanon without providing the means for them to exercise this right abroad. These concerns are unfounded particularly as the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities has indicated that the names of Lebanese registered abroad will not be removed from the voters lists within Lebanon, but will be highlighted in a different color on the current lists with a remark next to the name of each voter indicating that he or she is registered in the voters list of a host country.
Therefore, CCER would like to urge non-resident Lebanese to determine the place they will be voting in as soon as possible in order to give the organizers adequate time to prepare the voters lists within the legal timeframes.
Furthermore, CCER calls upon all Lebanese abroad and urges all political parties to encourage their supporters outside Lebanon to register in the Lebanese embassies and consulates in their areas, since everyone is responsible for the successful application of this chapter of the electoral law. It does not make sense for political parties and powers to demand the application of this important reform clause without following up on its implementation to make sure that is succeeds. It should be noted that failure to apply Chapter X of the current electoral law in the upcoming elections will lead to a complete contestation of its results, for the existing Parliamentary electoral law 25/2008 in clause 114 stipulates the right of non-resident Lebanese to take part in elections, and requested that the concerned authorities identify and apply the appropriate mechanism for them to be able to vote. Additionally, the Cabinet in its Ministerial Statement committed itself to take the necessary procedures and steps to encourage Lebanese expatriates around the world to register in Lebanese embassies, consulates and government departments and to participate in the Parliamentary elections.
CCER would also like to point out that allocating additional seats in Parliament for Lebanese expatriates, as was suggested in the “proposal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants for Expatriate voting” to the Cabinet in its session yesterday, will not minimize the logistical requirements to organize this process, which are the same in both cases. Furthermore, this might result in a distinction between first and second degree MPs in Parliament, and thus CCER believes there is no need for such a procedure and calls for the application of Chapter X of the current electoral law after issuing the decrees that detail the mechanisms for implementing it.
CCER further emphasizes the necessity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants completing its work pursuant to this reform, for it is directly responsible along with the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities of implementing it. We also hope that this issue is given more attention and that the Lebanese at home and abroad are able to sense this in the coming few days.
Lebanese nationals who have held citizenship for more than 10 years have the right to vote and their names are included in the voters list, and they are often brought to Lebanon during elections by a political party or side in order to vote. This influences their choice and puts them under direct pressure from those who have paid the expenses of their travel and stay in Lebanon, which constitutes a violation of the integrity of the electoral process. This problem will only be solved by providing the appropriate mechanisms for all those who would like to vote in their place of residence outside Lebanon.
The number of Lebanese registered on the voters lists abroad should not be a criterion to decide whether or not to continue working on this issue, for this reform is the right of the Lebanese abroad irrespective of their numbers.
CCER would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm the necessity of adopting all the needed reforms in the Parliamentary electoral law so that it fulfills the aspirations of the Lebanese people, most prominently among them is ensuring the secrecy of the ballot by adopting official pre-printed ballots, lowering the voting age to 18 years, adopting the proportional representation system with medium-sized districts (an average of 20 seats per district), incorporating the principle of financial transparency, voting in the place of residence for the candidates in one’s
district of origin, adopting the principle of a quota for women, in addition to other basic reforms without which the upcoming Parliamentary elections would not be democratic, transparent or fair.
In conclusion, the Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform would like to announce that it will be organizing a central activity in collaboration with a number of trade union movements and Lebanese civil society coalitions in the form of a popular movement to pressure the Cabinet and Parliament on the 13th of May.
The aim of this event is to remind the Cabinet of its responsibilities towards the Lebanese citizens to issue the law before June of this year, and after the law is referred to Parliament, CCER will shift its focus to the Members of Parliament to demand that they assume their responsibilities and work on approaching the law from a human rights perspective so that it coincides with international standards for democratic elections rather than considering it on the basis of political, group or individual interests.
In the hope of seeing you all on the 13th of May in front of the Sanayeh Garden at 12 noon,
statement issued by CCER on the 5th of april 2012
After a long time of being forcibly and intentionally disregarded, the issue of the Parliamentary electoral law has suddenly and forcefully reemerged in political discussions. In the recent period, we have witnessed a number of statements and positions concerning the electoral law in general and proportional representation specifically, in addition to some hesitant demands for other reforms to be implemented, most notably non-resident voting and regulating electoral expenditure.
While the Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform encourages these discussions which it considers necessary, it reminds at the same time of the importance of complying with the legal deadline set by the Mikati Cabinet for adopting an electoral law by June 2012, which is to say that time is running out for any desired reform process. Thus, it is necessary to accelerate the discussions on the electoral file in the Cabinet and its transfer to the Parliament where it would be debated and adopted within the appropriate due processes.
Therefore, the Campaign urges all those concerned with this matter to assume their responsibilities towards their nation, and to grasp the opportunity for real and serious reform of the electoral law. The Campaign will also follow up on the efforts undertaken on this issue and will pressure decision makers in all possible ways for the adoption of proportional representation and the other reforms. For that purpose, CCER would like to announce that as part of the series of activities that it will be organizing in its effort to advocate for the adoption of a democratic electoral law, it is organizing a large popular activity on May 13 in order to urge the government to fulfill its obligations in this matter.
In a related context, the Campaign would like to reemphasize to all Lebanese citizens that the proportional representation system is the fairest and most accurate system in terms of representation, and that all statements being made today which portray proportional representation as a way to marginalize any group in society are inaccurate since these sides view the electoral law as nothing more than a tool for them to reach and maintain power. Moreover, CCER deplores statements made by some that indicate the possibility of postponing elections in case no new electoral law was adopted or due to specific security issues. Hence, CCER renews its warnings on the dire consequences of delaying elections particularly as the Lebanese Constitution and numerous international agreements maintain the right of the Lebanese citizens to choose their representatives in periodic elections. The tendency to postpone elections is completely unacceptable and the Campaign will work to block such a plan as we did in the period preceding the Municipal elections in 2010.
CCER commends the position of Charbel
The Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform regrets the decision of the Maronite meeting which adopted in the 3rd paragraph of its closing statement the proposal of the Orthodox gathering relating to the electoral law, stating that “an adjunct committee will be assigned to start discussions with all involved parties on the proposal made by the Orthodox assembly, which the participants consider a suitable formula to achieve fair and effective representation of all social groups and to consolidate equality between Muslims and Christians, which in turn preserves the principle of coexistence.”
The Campaign considers that the suggestion itself constitutes a violation of the rights of Lebanese citizens, since it enshrines sectarianism and undermines the principle of coexistence and ignores the fact that the Members of Parliament represent the people of Lebanon as a whole. This reasoning reflects real dangers that threaten Lebanon as a nation built on diversity and coexistence.
The Campaign reasserts the importance of adopting a proportional representation system with medium-sized districts, as the most fitting system within the current situation and which provides fair representation to all segments of the Lebanese society, keeping in mind that adopting the proportional system with non-democratic standards invalidates its advantages and prevents this system from achieving the desired goals.
The Campaign also calls upon his Excellency the President of the Republic to persist in the stands he has long promoted, which call for developing the electoral system and adopting a proportional representation system, and urges all leaders, particularly those who gathered today in Bkerke, to reconsider their declared decisions relating to the electoral law, and to approach the electoral law from a national perspective that reflects the interest of the Lebanese society as a whole, not temporary and partisan interests.
Furthermore, CCER entreats all Lebanese citizens to reject this dangerous trend which does not allow them to choose deputies on a national basis as representatives of all the Lebanese, irrespective of their individual affiliations.
The Campaign reaffirms its adherence to the reforms that it has long advocated and lobbied for, at the head of which is the proportional representation system, as the system most appropriate for ensuring accurate representation of all citizens and all groups. The Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform will strive with all democratic means available to prevent the adoption of the content of today’s proposal.
CCER Media Campaigns
To Reduce the Heat.
The new Electoral Law is the best cure for a healthier representation in parliament.
The new Electoral Law is the best cure for a healthier representation in parliament.
The new Electoral Law is the best cure for a healthier representation in parliament
The new Electoral Law is the best cure for a healthier representation in parliament.
Statement by CCER
The Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform welcomes the step taken by a number of Lebanese embassies (The embassy of Lebanon in Washington, France, Berlin, Ottawa…) which invited all Lebanese wishing to vote in the 2013 elections to register their names in the embassies. CCER further emphasizes on the importance of other embassies following suit and inviting those interested to register their names, due to the limited time that separates us from the next elections. While CCER expects the number of Lebanese wishing to register to increase during the coming year due to the proximity of the Lebanese elections at that time, the Campaign hopes that officials will not use the low number of registered names as an excuse not to apply the law, keeping in mind that the number of registered expatriates is not a measure to grant citizens their rights. Proceeding from the principle of equality of opportunity between the Lebanese citizens, and in order to prevent any kind of pressure that expatriate voters might be subjected to, CCER would like to emphasize on the duty of the Government and its concerned Ministries to provide the mechanisms necessary for securing the enforcement of this right as enshrined in Electoral Law No. 25/2008. The Campaign also welcomes the decision of the Council of Ministers in its session on November 1st, 2011, in which it informs the Parliament of its agreement on the principle of preventing the combination of Ministerial and Parliamentary posts, which is a demand that CCER has advocated since its establishment, in order to prevent the use of public provisions and posts for electoral purposes, and due to the fact that the Parliament is responsible for monitoring the Government and holding it accountable, a mechanism which will be compromised if the two posts were to be combined in one person. Moreover, the Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform again calls upon the Cabinet, which is currently discussing the electoral law, to vote on the principle of lowering the voting age to 18 and proceeding with the preparation of a draft law to amend article 21 of the Lebanese constitution as soon as possible, particularly as this clause has been sufficiently debated in previous sessions. CCER also calls upon all concerned political groups that are still trying to distort the principle of proportional representation to stop these attempts, since the majority of the Lebanese are now aware of the advantages of this system and are convinced of the necessity of implementing it in the forthcoming Parliamentary elections.
Beirut, November 11, 2011
Statement on the Adjournment of Cabinet
Statment on the Adjournment of Cabinet Discussion of Electoral Law
After the adjournment of the debate on the draft Electoral Law proposed by Minister Marwan Charbel to upcoming Cabinet sessions, The Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform would like to remind of the importance of settling the issue of the electoral law very soon, so as to leave adequate time to prepare for the adopted reforms. Furthermore, CCER would like to reemphasize the importance of adopting the reforms it has long advocated, at the head of which are: a proportional representation system with medium-sized districts of no less than 20 seats, the independent electoral commission responsible for organizing all aspects and stages of the electoral process, providing all necessary mechanisms for maintaining the secrecy of the ballot, womens quota, out-of-country voting and lowering the voting age, along with several other reforms. In this context, CCER would like to commend the positions of the parties and blocs which supported the adoption of the proportional representation system in the upcoming electoral law, for what this system provides in terms of fairness and accuracy of representation. The Campaign would also like to thank his Excellency the President of the Republic for his strong support of proportional representation and for the adoption of a modern electoral law at the earliest possible date, which he has worked to put on the agenda of the most recent meeting of the Council of Ministers. CCER also asks their Excellencies President Suleiman and Prime Minister Mikati to continue in their efforts supporting the adoption of a new electoral law that meets the aspirations of the Lebanese, and their work to include all parties in this endeavor. In the hope that these positions and debates prove to be serious and unwavering, the Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform will continue to follow up on the discussions and voting in the forthcoming Cabinet meetings.
Beirut, November 2, 2011
In Response to Minsiter Charbel's Press Conference
After his Excellency minister Marwan Charbel’s Press Conference announcing some of the details of the draft electoral law that he submitted to the Cabinet, the Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform (CCER), while awaiting the publication of the full draft of the proposed law, would like make a number of remarks, summarized by the following: - CCER would like to congratulate his Excellency the Minister and his team for adhering to the deadline (end of September) they had set for completing the draft electoral law, and sees this feat as an important indicator of the Ministry’s seriousness in reaching a new electoral law at least one year prior to the 2013 elections (as promised by the Cabinet in its ministerial statement). - CCER welcomes the adoption of the proportional representation system in the draft law and considers it an important step forward on the road to real democracy, and agrees with the Minister’s statement that “The proportional representation system is the most fitting one for the Lebanese society, whose only salvation is in its adoption.” - CCER finds the Ministry’s division of districts (10-14 districts) regrettable since proportional representation requires districts with a larger number of seats for it to accomplish its desired aim, which is just representation. Therefore, we ask the cabinet to decrease the number of districts if they want a good application of proportional representation. Or: if it wants proportional representation to be applied well. - CCER also finds it regrettable that the draft law did not adopt the “Independent Electoral Commission” under the pretext of insufficient time, since the supervisory commission that is proposed, albeit with more powers, lacks complete independence and thus lacks the required impartiality. - CCER supports his Excellency’s adoption of the following reforms in his draft law: the gender quota • the pre-printed ballot • decreasing the time limit for the resignation of the heads and deputy heads of municipal councils who are running for elections and the suspension of their functions one year prior to the elections, without discriminating between municipalities located in the centers of Mouhafazat and districts • The adoption of a computerized mechanism for sorting in the registration committees. • Taking into consideration the situation of people with special needs to enable them to participate in elections. • Supports the idea of putting a detailed mechanism for out of country voting and establishing a joint committee between the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants in order to implement it. However, CCER would like to remind that the government has to provide the mechanisms for this right even if the current draft law does not pass, since this is a right preset in Law No. 25/2008. CCER insists on the importance of adopting proportional representation in the coming Parliamentary elections in 2013 and the implementation of all other reforms as they are crucial for democratic and fair elections, particularly in relation to financial expenditure and electoral media and advertizing. CCER aims for a more detailed and precise discussion as soon as it obtains a copy of the full draft and hopes that the government would take into consideration these reforms. For that purpose, CCER puts all of its expertise at hand, in the hope that decision makers do not underestimate the importance of the electoral law and begin discussing it immediately without any procrastination. CCER will keep track of the process of adopting the 2013 electoral law and will strive with all means available to reach a modern and democratic electoral law, for it is the right of Lebanon and the Lebanese to have an electoral law they can be proud of and which represents the main entrance to a sound political life.
Beirut October 12th, 2011
Statement by CCER in front of MoI
We gather today in front of the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry responsible for submitting the draft parliamentary electoral law to the Cabinet by the end of September, to emphasize that: - The electoral law is a comprehensive law that is not limited only to the electoral system, but also includes other reforms that guarantee the democracy and integrity of the electoral process. - The fact that the Ministry of Interior did not include in its draft law the principle of an independent commission for the management of elections, but maintained the commission that supervises elections as approved by Law No. 25/2008, constitutes an incomprehensive and unjustified revocation of an essential reform. The commission we are demanding is one that is completely independent of any party and impartial to all parties and that will be in charge of managing all aspects and levels of the elections, both local and parliamentary. Its functions start with calling on the electoral committee to declare the official results and continue even after the electoral period has ended, since it is a permanent and not periodic commission. - The Ministry of Interior, which is in charge of submitting to the Cabinet the new parliamentary electoral law for the year 2013, is held responsible for this sensitive topic which will significantly influence the political and public state of affairs. Therefore, the Ministry must realize that these reforms are indivisible and are crucial in their entirety if we are to attain democratic, fair and transparent elections. The Ministry of Interior’s role should be limited to ensuring the safety and security of the electoral process and not to organize and manage it. Elections are the democratic method by which the people choose their representatives, and thus the political class should not be involved in managing or organizing the elections, since there is a clear conflict of interests entailed in this practice. In addition, since elections are both a highly political and technical process, there is persistent concern that the side entrusted with organizing elections might lack the necessary technical and specialized expertise or that election would be politicized in favor of some parties or lists. - The Ministry of Interior has a central role in putting forth a comprehensive draft law that incorporates all the reforms, notably proportional representation, the independent electoral commission, the pre-printed ballot, a quota for women and other reforms that the ministry is aware of. The Ministry has no excuse for not including the independent electoral commission in its draft law, since there is still enough time for its establishment before the 2013 elections. An independent electoral commission is the only entity to guarantee that the elections are managed well and fairly, and the effectiveness and credibility of such a commission can only be ascertained by trial and not merely by intention. Therefore, we find that it is unreasonable for the Ministry of Interior to send to the Cabinet an incomplete draft law that ignores the independent electoral commission, since that will ultimately lead to the collapse of the forthcoming electoral draft, which is our constant concern. - Our gathering today is not directed against specific individuals but against a political approach that we are accustomed to from the successive authorities, which is procrastination and evading responsibility by using time-limits or the political situation as an excuse to avoid and hinder reforms. We promise that we will continue with the path to adopt a new electoral law at least one year ahead of the forthcoming parliamentary elections as indicated by the Cabinet in its Ministerial statement, today in front of the Ministry of Interior, tomorrow in front of the Seraglio, and afterwards in front of the Parliament, in the hope that the voice of reason We promised that we will follow the process of the new electoral law release as the cabinet has claimed at least a year before the elections’ date. Today, we are gathering facing the MoI, Tomorrow will gather facing seraglio… after that facing the parliament… until the voice of logic breaks the wall of narrow interests.
Beirut September 26th, 2011
Statement issued by the CCER
Amid the political row over parliamentary elections and the Ministry of Interior’s work in this regard, the Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform (CCER) has organized this conference to voice the opinion of the civil society, a significant partner in drafting the electoral law. In its Ministerial statement, the current government promised to issue a new electoral law for the parliamentary elections one year ahead of the 2013 set date, and has vowed, even if in an unbinding manner, to adopt the proportional representation system. Through its thorough follow up, the CCER found that many remarks made by political leaders aim at attacking proportional representation and distorting this fair principle in the minds of people. Some statements are an insult to the intelligence of the Lebanese citizens since they consider that the Lebanese people are incapable of understanding or grasping the concept and the means to implement proportional representation. The CCER voices regret over attempts staged by some political parties and media outlets to circumvent the proportional representation system by endorsing unfair proposals that do not ensure just representation, to say the least. These proposals do not stimulate renewal in the political life that can only be done by removing power monopoly and sectarian injustice. Therefore, this conference aims at correcting some false notions regarding the proportional representation system and holding all concerned political parties responsible, especially those who will meet in Bkerke on Friday:
1. In short, the proportional representation system grants every list a proportion of the parliamentary seats equivalent to the proportion of votes it gained in the elections. 2. Proportional representation will not remove nor promote political sectarianism; it is an electoral equation that translates votes into parliamentary seats. Proportional representation is a way to restore the voters’ faith in the value of their vote, their ability to voice their opinion, and by doing so, their power to change things for the best. This system paves the way towards diverse representation, ends political and sectarian power monopoly, particularly within each sect, and renews the ruling power thus allowing new young blood to enter the political arena. By this token, the CCER urges all political players not to hide behind petty pretexts, known to everyone, to cover up the real reasons pushing them to reject proportional representation. In fact, some political parties are afraid that the proportional representation system will reveal their true popular base and rob them of the power to control the fate of their sects and/or country. 3. Proportional representation does not necessarily require the presence of democratic parties, even if their existence facilitates the voting process, nevertheless their absence should not be taken as a pretext to shun proportional representation. In fact, this system motivates the creation of new parties with a national and patriotic vision, promotes partisan democracy and encourages party members and the public to hold officials accountable within the framework of the law, contrary to what has been taking place in Lebanon for a long time.
The CCER does not regard the proportional representation system as a mere slogan, but as an essential step towards a democratic and renewed Lebanon. Proportional representation is not a complicated system, as some would like you to think, nor is it hard to implement within the quotas set for regions and sects. The CCER considers that the true problem lies within the quota itself and not within proportional representation, which is no obstacle to the process of taking quotas into consideration. The CCER does not acknowledge the presence of any logical explanation that would justify the refusal of proportional representation, unless some parties would like to continue wasting time while shying away from their responsibilities… Therefore, the CCER thinks that it is high time to renounce the approach of procrastination. The CCER urges the cabinet, the Members of Parliament, political parties and the Ministry of Interior, that is putting the final touches on the parliamentary electoral draft law to be submitted to the government by the end of the current month, to adopt a modern electoral law that will live up to the people’s aspirations. The law should encompass the following reforms: • Proportional representation • The independent committee in charge of organizing elections • The adoption of the pre-printed voting ballot • A quota for women equivalent to one third of the candidates lists • Voting of Lebanese nationals living abroad • Lowering the voting age to 18 and the candidacy age to 22 • Determining voting mechanisms to facilitate the voting process for individuals with special needs
• Organizing electoral spending • Organizing electoral media and advertisement
By this token, the CCER calls on everyone to participate in a gathering organized in front of Sanayeh garden on Monday 26th of September 2011 at 5 p.m. to urge the Ministry of Interior to include all the above-mentioned reforms in the electoral law, especially the adoption of the independent committee in charge of organizing the elections, previously abandoned by the Ministry. This gathering will only be one of many to come, since the CCER intends to keep track of the issue of the elections on all levels.
There is no true democracy without a fair electoral law… The justice of the law is tied to these reforms… Our safest bet will always be on the public opinion’s high level of awareness… hoping to accomplish all desired electoral reforms.
Beirut, September 22nd 2011.
CCER open message to patriarch Rai
Your Eminence Patriarch Mar Bchara Boutros El Rahi, Greetings, On behalf of the partnership between the different segments and organizations of the Lebanese civil society, and with our utmost love and appreciation for what you represent, we send you this open statement in the hope that it will convey our views and demands. In the midst of the renewed and necessary debate on the electoral law, particularly the electoral system that will be adopted, and in light of the ministerial statement which promised that a new electoral law will be adopted one year prior to the 2013 parliamentary elections, the CCER is encouraged by this “electoral activism”, particularly Your pre-emptive attempt to reach an agreement on the electoral law that you find most fitting for the Christians, in line with the requirements of the Charter of co-existence and within the framework of the Taif agreement, as you have asserted repeatedly. Based on the above, we assure Your Eminence of the following: - Proportional representation is a computational formula that aims to make political representation of the different segments in Lebanon more just and to contribute to the strengthening of civil peace, without the dominance of any one group over the other, irrespective of its number, and thus we ask you to continue defending this reform. - The CCER fully realizes, as does Your Eminence, that the organized attack targeting the concept of proportional representation in the minds of people and intimidating the public opinion is an insult to the intelligence of the Lebanese people. - We also ask you, with your moral influence on the leaders invited to the meeting under your auspices, to urge them not to fear the adoption of the proportional representation system for it will have a positive effect on the different segments of society and their interaction, without any domination by any majority group, since this formula allows all groups to be represented. Since we realize that you are aware of the importance of this historic moment and the necessity of learning from the uprisings taking place in the region due to the absence of democracy; and since we know that you will not spare any effort to make sure that the best electoral formula is adopted, we are writing to you this letter asking you for the following: - To persist on proportional representation and to consider it objectively and methodically as a democratic choice that can fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the Lebanese people. - To continue defending this reform for the good of Lebanon.
We ask Your Eminence, with your significant influence on the leaders invited to the meeting in Bkerke under your patronage, on the 23rd of September 2011, to support our endeavor and demands, with the knowledge that we are putting at your disposal all our efforts and expertise in this area.
With our wishes for Your continued health and wellness,
Beirut September 20th, 2011
In response to MP Walid Jumblatt's refusal to exam
Statement by the Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform (CCER) in response to MP Walid Jumblatt's refusal to examine Proportional Representation
The head of the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) MP Walid Jumblatt urged during an Iftar banquet organized by Al Irfan Religious Institution in Semkanieh to postpone discussions on the adoption of a new elections draft law based on the proportional representation system. Jumblatt justified his remarks by saying that his call aims at protecting diversity, pluralism and particularity. By this token, the CCER stresses that proportional representation is the only equation that can protect diversity, pluralism and particularity of every community. It is only through proportional representation that minorities can guarantee their continuity and prove their self-worth. Proportional representation allows minorities to break away from majorities without undermining their presence in the public life, their diversity and particularity as was the case with the majority system adopted since Lebanon recovered its independence. Proportional representation also provides greater opportunities and fairer outcomes for parliamentary candidates. The CCER notes that proportional representation is in no way tied to any political ideology thus its adoption will not be influenced by any particular school of thought. The purpose behind proportion representation is not to remove political sectarianism rather ensure fair representation for political parties regardless of their confessional or secular way of thinking. The proportional representation system also aims at guaranteeing rotation of power and providing young people who have unshaken faith in democracy, diversity and pluralism to run for elections. This will hugely contribute in developing parliamentary and political work in Lebanon.
The CCER calls on Lebanese politicians to end their campaigns aiming at distorting and twisting the real concept behind proportional representation in the minds of people. Proportional representation should not be taken as a pretext for personal, partisan or factional conflicts. The CCER underscores the importance of adopting the proportional representation system urgently since it regards it as the fairer equation that will represent all society categories and lay the ground for a healthy political life.
Beirut August 16, 2011
CCER statement in response to PM Najib Mikati
In light of of the discussion on the parliamentary electoral law for 2013, and after the beginning of preparation for a new draft electoral law by the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities, the Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform welcomes the position taken by Prime Minister Najib Mikati on proportional representation in which he declared that "proportional representation involves everyone in the elections so that the participation of each party is in proportion to its representation." The CCER reemphasizes that the main objective of demanding the adoption of the proportional system is that it allows all groups to be represented in the Parliament to share their views and their positions on national issues, but stresses the need to apply proportional representation based on medium-sized circles as a minimum (with no less than 20 seats per circle) so that proportional representation is truly effective and not merely a cover for the majority system.
The CCER commends the previous positions taken by Prime Minister Mikati concerning its proposed reforms, but nevertheless calls upon him to push for the adoption of all electoral reforms, including lowering the voting age, a principle which should not be neglected, particularly as he had announced in his speech yesterday addressing the Lebanese youth on the occasion of the International Youth Day that “all political parties will demand lowering the voting age now, but will not vote on it in the Parliament, just as had happened in the previous elections, on the basis that each and every one of them has a sectarian concern which begins and ends with it."
The CCER emphasizes in this context that the issue of reducing the voting age to 18 and the involvement of youth in the process of voting and candidacy is essential and is one of the rights of the Lebanese youth and should be considered from the a human rights perspective and not from a sectarian perspective.
Beirut, August 12, 2011
Responding to Jumblatt’s reservations on the Propo
Statement by the Civil Campaign for Electorla Reform (CCER) Responding to Jumblatt’s reservations on the Proportional Representation System
Today, the Proportional Representation system made the headlines when Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) leader Walid Jumblatt conveyed his reservations regarding Proportional Representation to Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai. The Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform (CCER) is surprised by Jumblatt’s remarks since the CCER is sure that Jumblatt realizes that the proportional system provides a more accurate representation and is fairer for all political parties, which can also benefit from a number of Parliamentary seats equivalent to their popularity. This can be achieved if the CCER parliamentary elections bill including medium sized constituencies (at least 20 seats per constituency) is fully implemented. The CCER can not stress enough that it is high time to take the elections law seriously. Any procrastination will surely undermine necessary political reforms that should be introduced to the current electoral law. The CCER urges all political parties and Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai, all of whom will take part in Bkerke’s talks soon, to agree on adopting the Proportional Representation system. In fact, the CCER believes that it will upgrade the Lebanese electoral system to meet the aspirations of the Lebanese people. The CCER is at the disposal of all political parties that would like to get a better knowledge of the Proportional representation system and get acquainted with the outcomes of the researches, questionnaires and consultations supporting proportional representation.
Beirut July 29, 2001
CCER statement in response to Interior Minister
The Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform (CCER) was surprised by the remarks made by H.E. Minister of Interior and Municipalities Marwan Charbel during his interview on the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International (LBCI) on Monday July the 20th 2011 pertaining to the preparations for a new elections law. In fact he spoke of establishing a committee that will include soldiers, civil society representatives and persons specialized in elections and he also rejected the formation of an Independent Election Commission in his draft law. The CCER, which includes 85 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), has been working since 2006 on reforming the elections la. For this purpose, the CCER submitted an electoral draft law based on reform principles to guarantee that the minimum standards for democratic elections are being met. Furthermore, the CCER actively took part in former Minister Fouad Boutros’ committee as well as the parliamentary committees in charge of putting in place new elections law. Therefore the CCER condemns H.E. Minister Charbel’s decision to exclude the campaign from his committee, knowing that he mentioned the participation of civil society representatives, which no one is informed about. The CCER also finds it strange that H.E. Minister Charbel appointed an Internal Security Forces (ISF) Army General to head the committee, when it is well-known that the committee’s work is purely technical and political. The Lebanese system needs an independent body in charge of organizing the elections which is not a monitoring commission as HE stated. The Minister’s decision to reject the formation of an IEC prompts us to question the Ministry’s readiness to deal with the issue of reform and makes us wonder whether the Ministry truly wishes to uproot electoral partiality in Lebanon. We all know that the impartiality of the organizing authorities is the cornerstone for fair and just elections.
By this token, the CCER would like to mention more than 122 countries, including a large number of Arab countries; adopt an independent body in charge of organizing, managing and monitoring the elections. Moreover, to make sure that the proportional elections’ system will guarantee fair and just representation, medium seize districts are required, meaning at least 20 seats per district. However, Minister Charbel is proposing to establish districts that will include 7 to 9 seats, thus undermining the proportional elections system in light of confessional distribution of parliamentary seats in Lebanon. Therefore, the CCER calls on H.E. Minister Charbel to set things right by inviting representatives of the Campaign to be part of the committee in charge of drafting the elections bill and convening to an open dialogue with civil society representatives. The committee should also be headed by a civilian with a wide knowledge in the field of elections. The CCER calls on H.E. Minister Charbel to re-examine his decisions regarding the elections independent body and districts’ distribution. The Ministry’s decision should live up to the presidential oath, the Ministerial Political Statement and the parliamentary reform project entrusted to the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities. In conclusion the Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform (CCER) would like to stress the importance of building upon the achievements of the past that have resulted in new elections bills, mainly the CCER electoral draft law and former Minister Ziad Baroud’s electoral draft law, instead of ignoring the immense contributions brought upon during the past few years and starting all over again.
Beirut, 21st July 2011
CCER statement welcoming Speaker Berri’s remarks
The Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform (CCER) welcomes the remarks made by Speaker Nabih Berri concerning the adoption of a proportional representation (PR) system and turning Lebanon into one single constituency. The CCER also welcomes the move made by Berri when he called on the cabinet to convene for a session dedicated to the standards and guidelines included in the upcoming parliamentary elections law which will be a great asset to the work of the Interior Minister’s Committee and will take care of the time factor, the main obstacle that used to hinder past reforms. By this token, the CCER would like to highlight the fact that Speaker Berri joined H.E. the President of the Republic Sleiman and Interior Minister Charbel in calling for the adoption of proportional representation. This is why the CCER would like to mention the following: - Dialogue should be based on reform standards in line with the citizens’ political rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political rights and the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). - The workshop promised by the Interior Minister should take stock of all previous efforts exerted by civil society organizations and former Interior Minister who were able, together, to reach two parliamentary elections bills based on national consultations amongst political, civil and social parties. - Constitutional deadlines should be respected knowing that the tabled reforms need time to be fully implemented. Thus we underscore the importance of establishing an independent committee in charge of organizing the elections and creating voting mechanisms for Lebanese immigrants living abroad. The CCER sheds light on the standards and principles, which are the fruit of its unwavering work since its inception in 2006 and that, are to be included in any future elections law. Most of these standards and principals were included in former Interior Minister Ziad Baroud’s elections bill and they are the following: - Adopting proportional representation with medium seized constituencies (i.e. an average of 20 seats per constituency) in line with the Taef Agreement - Establishing an independent committee in charge of organizing fair and just elections - Granting non-residents Lebanese natives the right to vote by virtue of article 114 of the parliamentary elections law 25/2008 - Adopting phased women quota that is equivalent to one third of the candidates’ lists - Protecting the secret ballot through the adoption of pre-printed official voting ballots - Lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 and the candidacy age from 25 to 22 which will give young people a hand when it comes to choosing the nation’s representatives. As well as a number of reforms detailed in the CCER’s elections bill that was distributed to all MPs and Ministers The Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform
Beirut the July 19, 2011.
ccer statement
In response to Ministerial Political Declaration
After thoroughly examining the draft of the Ministerial Political Statement issued by PM Najib Mikati’s cabinet, which will serve as a reference to the cabinet’s work after being granted trust by the Parliament, the Civil Campaign for Elecetoral Reform (CCER) would like to make a few remarks that it wishes will be taken into consideration before issuing the final official version of the Political Statement. The remarks are as follows: 1. At the outset the CCER welcomes the fact that the cabinet dedicated a whole clause in the Statement to parliamentary elections, proving that this issue is a priority. Some clarifications concerning the government’s intention on “relaunching the national workshop to draft a new elections law for the upcoming elections”. In fact the CCER fears that all previous efforts will go to waste, thus it entrusts the newly-formed cabinet with an elections bill and a law for the independent committee in charge of organizing elections prepared and distributed by the CCER. It would like to call on the government to discuss the laws and to make its remarks which will pave the way towards a modern, democratic elections law. The CCER is at the cabinet’s disposal for consultation or advices. 2. The CCER welcomes the fact that the Statement focused on studying “the choices and reforms especially proportional representation”. However, the CCER would have liked for the Statement to state in a clear manner and unambiguous manner that a proportional representation system will surely be adopted during the upcoming parliamentary elections, since it is the most effective mechanism that will lead to fair and just outcomes. The Statement noted the importance of “speeding up procedures so that the law will be finalized a year before the 2013 parliamentary elections” which is a remarkable improvement since the cabinet is committing itself to a certain timetable. However the CCER underscores the need for a well-defined deadline for this study, adding that one year is not enough if the government is truly committed to implementing all reforms especially ones that are time-consuming such as establishing the independent committee in charge of organizing elections. Therefore, the CCER calls for ending discussions concerning the independent committee by the end of this year. It also calls on the Foreign Ministry to step up efforts and to implement chapter ten of the 25/2008 elections law that grants non-residents Lebanese natives the right to vote by the 2013 parliamentary elections. 3. The CCER regrets the fact that the Statement failed to mentions paramount reforms alongside the proportional representation system that guarantee fair and just elections as well as vast participation by larger categories of society (such as every individual over 18, persons with special needs, soldiers, sick people and individuals under custody…). By this token the CCER calls once again for the adoption of the following reforms: a) Establishing as soon as possible an independent committee in charge of organizing, managing and supervising parliamentary and local elections without the interference of any governmental authority. b) Adopting women’s quota that is equivalent to the third of the candidates’ lists. c) Adopting pre-printed elections ballot issued by the elections’ organization committee which will guarantee the secret ballot and prevent forgery and exerting financial moral pressures on the voters. d) Taking the appropriate measures to ensure the right to vote for the non-residents Lebanese natives, a right enshrined in the 25/2008 elections law. In fact the CCER fears that this right will not be granted because of logistical and technical difficulties. The CCER has repeatedly said that it will be at the cabinet’s disposal for consultation and advices on how to find the best solution for this problem. e) Lowering the voting age to 18 and the candidacy age to 22, setting a ceiling for electoral spending and putting stern regulations on electoral media and advertisement since they largely influence the elections’ outcome. The CCER will make sure that the government lives up to its promises concerning the elections law and will collaborate with it since the CCER believes that achieving a modern and democratic elections law can be done through collective endeavor.
Beirut the 1st of July 2011
National Day for Electoral Reform
On the occasion of the two year anniversary of the parliamentary elections that occurred on the 7th of June 2009, the Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform (CCER) organized today the “National Day for Electoral Reform” at the UNESCO palace in Beirut at 12 p.m. During this event, it launched a parliamentary elections law for 2013 as well as a draft law concerning the establishment of an independent committee in charge of organizing the elections. This event was attended by the representative of the designated Prime Minister Mr. Najib Mikati, a representative of the Minister of Interior and Municipalities Mr. Ziad Baroud, H.E. Minister Tamam Salam as well as representatives of H.E. Minister Michel Feroun, M.P.s Sami Gemayel and Assaad Hardan. Let us not forget representatives of 16 Lebanese Parties, a number of Ambassadors, Union members, journalists and representatives of member associations of the CCER. It is worth mentioning that the CCER held, in parallel with this event, press conferences in the North, the Bekaa and the South. The UNESCO meeting was inaugurated by the CCER coordinator Mr. Rony Assaad who welcomed all the participants. Mr. Osama Safa, Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections (LADE) Secretary General, held a speech in which he highlighted the importance of adopting electoral reforms. He hoped that Lebanese authorities will not miss the opportunity presented at hand and will work on introducing all necessary reforms by the 2013 elections. Mr. Safa assured to all the participants that the CCER will not allow the Lebanese authorities to leave the discussion concerning the elections law for the last minute as usual. He called on the concerned ministers, M.P.s and institutions to assume their responsibilities, adding that the CCER has introduced to the elections law a number of reforms that it has been calling for, for a while now. They are as follows: - Proportional representation with medium seized constituencies - An independent committee in charge of organizing the elections - Voting of the non-residents Lebanese natives - Phased women quota that is equivalent to one third of the candidates’ lists - Protecting the secret ballot through the adoption of official voting ballots that are previously printed by the elections’ organization committee and through tallying the votes inside the centers rather than in the districts - Voting in the place of residence - Organizing the electoral spending - Organizing the elections media and advertisement - Lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 and the candidacy age from 25 to 22 - Implementing the necessary reforms to facilitate the voting process for people with special needs and for the detainees in custody - Allowing soldiers the right to vote The CCER submitted a law in which it suggested the details that should be followed to establish a transparent and impartial independent committee in charge of organizing the elections. In addition, the laws were displayed and discussed. The CCER is an alliance of Lebanese civil society associations that was created on the 6th of June 2006. Today, it includes 88 civil society associations spread all over the Lebanese territories. The CCER calls for reforming the election laws especially the parliamentary and municipal ones.
National Reform Day Beirut June 7, 2011.
The CCER’s meeting with PM Hariri
The Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform (CCER) met on June the 7th with PM Saed Hariri in the Grand Serail. The CCER’s members displayed the reforms that the campaign thinks are necessary to be introduced to the 2013 parliamentary elections. Reforms such as the proportional representation system and an independent committee for organizing elections were discussed during the CCER’s press conference a day before. PM Hariri voiced his interest in the reforms tabled by the CCER. The CCER also tackled with director of immigrants’ affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emmigrants Mr. Haytham Jomaa the difficulties encountered by the Ministry regarding the mechanisms that will allow non-residents Lebanese natives the right to vote wherever their country of destination may be. The discussion was also centered around the deadline for the Ministry’s final report. The CCER confirmed its readiness to offer its technical assistance to the Ministry and the solutions that best fit the problems mentioned in the Foreign Ministry’s 1st report. In this regard, the CCER would like to note that the non-resident Lebanese natives’ right to vote is sacred and is granted to every individual holding the Lebanese nationality. In fcat article 104 of the parliamentary elections law 25/2008 stipulated the following: “All Lebanese natives living outside the Lebanese territory shall be entitled to vote in Lebanese embassies and consulates pursuant to the provisions of this law, provided that their name is registered on the voters’ rolls and no legal reason prevents their right to vote” Therefore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants and the Lebanese Government have the duty to speed up all necessary measures to implement the mechanisms needed especially that the problems mentioned in the Ministry’s 1st report are foreseen and easily solved.
Launching the Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform
The Lebanese government pledged in its Ministerial Political Statement, according to which it was granted the parliament’s trust (in November 2009), to achieve the parliament elections bill in 18 months at most. H. E. President Michel Sleiman reiterated the importance of the most central reform items in this field in a speech delivered before the Lebanese Diaspora in Switzerland on October 25th 2010. Indeed, H.E. Minister of Interior and Municipalities Ziad Baroud kicked off preparations for this project. He organized workshops, with the participation of political parties, civil society and electoral affairs experts, in order to tackle the main subjects that electoral reforms are to address. The Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform would like to seize this opportunity to commend the interior ministry’s efforts. However, the CCER highlights that the dialogue that took place during the workshops, reflected the divergent point views concerning the political regime’s nature as well as the relation of every political power with the state and constitutional institutions. Civil society organizations consider that reforming electoral laws is the main factor that triggers the process of rebuilding state’s institutions on the basis of citizenship through free, fair and democratic elections which will guarantee an acceptable level of participation for all parties while allowing institutions to play their role in running the country. By the same token, the CCER will adopt different principals as the launching pad for its campaign in the upcoming phase. The CCER will draw from the following principals to achieve a modern parliamentary elections law so as to guarantee democratic, free and fair elections that will represent all the Lebanese components: First, the member organizations of the CCER consider that the proportional representation system ensures a more accurate and fair representation than the majority system. It also considers that the future of Lebanon and the interest of its people lie in building a civil state and restructuring its institutions on the basis of a fair electoral law free of sectarian restrictions. The CCER is sure that true political and institutional reforms are the way forward. The government and the political leaderships, have the duty and responsibility to provide the necessary elements to make sure that this goal is rooted and achieved gradually. Gven the difficulties of a direct transition in the electoral process, a transition that aims at transforming Lebanon into one electoral constituency free of sectarian restrictions, the CCER request the gradual adoption of the following democratic standards when dividing the electoral constituencies on the basis of the proportional representation system: 1. Medium constituencies (about 20 seats per constituency) 2. Parity between the number of voters and the number of seats in the constituencies. Second, the Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform calls on the creation of the “Independent Elections Committee” that assumes the task of organizing and managing the parliamentary elections thus guaranteeing the impartiality of the government. This committee includes representatives from the judicial authorities, the Beirut and Tripoli Bar Associations, the press and information associations, the National Press Council and the civil society organizations. This committee should be permanent with a four-year mandate during which it organizes and arranges the electoral rolls, locates election centers, makes sure that it is well equipped for disabled persons, supervises the training of the administration’s staff; especially the training of the heads and the members of the ballot boxes and prints the official electoral ballots. The independent committee assumes the responsibility of supervising the electoral, press and advertisement spending of each candidate. Third, the Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform believes in the importance of women’s participation in the political life in line with the international conventions signed by Lebanon, especially the CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women) ratified in 1997, the CCER requests the adoption of women quotas by no less than the third based on the number of candidates and the number of the seats Four, adopt the pre-printed ballot as the official document in order to limit forgery and to guarantee a secret ballot. This document should include a picture of the candidates and an inscription in Morse code which allows the blind to read it. The CCER also demands that the votes be counted in the electoral centers rather than in the ballot boxes room to preserve a secret ballot. It is also important to review the distribution and division of the ballot boxes. Five, it is important to introduce the essential technical and logistic mechanisms that will allow Lebanese immigrants to participate in the 2013 elections according to the provisions of chapter 10 of the parliamentary election law 25/2008. Six, identify clear mechanisms making it easier for disabled persons to run for office or to vote. Seven, lower the voting age to 18 years given that it is a fundamental right for the youth and it needs no legal or political justifications. The campaign also requests lowering the legal age to run for office to 22 years. Eight, concerning the electoral spending, the CCER demands to enact specific and detailed legislations in order to promote transparency of the electoral process, to guarantee equal opportunities for all candidates and to limit the influence of politicized money and services on the electoral process through what is called “buying votes” and other forms of bribery and blackmail. By this token, the campaign demands the introduction of radical reforms concerning the electoral spending issue including lifting the banking secrecy off the candidates’ accounts, their assets and their branches not only off their campaign’s account. It also asks that they should be obligated to present their accounts’ data to the parties concerned with the organization of the elections and that the right measures be taken to sanction the breaches of the law. The CCER also stresses the importance of publishing financial reports and lists presented by the candidates to the administration of the electoral process. Nine, concerning the subject of the electoral press and advertisement, the CCER demands that their arrangements be clarified to make sure that the necessary conditions are available to guarantee that the press is fair in its coverage of the electoral campaigns and to avoid slander campaigns and sectarian instigations. It also calls for the promotion and the implementation of legal frames and mechanisms to punish the perpetrators of those actions. Ten, allow civil society organizations to file their complaints to the independent committee whenever they spot any contravention and to appeal the constitutional aspect of any law concerning the issues linked to the framework of this organization before the constitutional council. Finally, the CCER calls on the parties concerned to reconsider the issue of prohibiting all individuals working in the military institution from voting because this law discriminates between the Lebanese. According to article 7 of the Lebanese Constitution, “All Lebanese are equal before the law. They all enjoy their civil and political rights and equally are bound by public obligations and duties without any distinction” especially military men because they are at the forefront of any conflict and defend Lebanon therefore they have the right to participate in the parliamentary and municipal elections. In conclusion, the CCER calls on the Lebanese government to abide by the content of its Ministerial Political Statement concerning the respect of the due dates set for the new parliamentary electoral law. The campaign draws the cabinet’s attention to the necessity to start forthwith the drafting of an electoral law that meets the aspirations of the Lebanese people, takes into consideration a just representation and adopts democratic standards. The electoral law is considered the right gateway to any other reform. Therefore, we call on all the concerned parties to make reform a priority instead of putting it on the back burner and leaving it up to last minute just as it was done in the past. The CCER, as part of the civil campaign, reiterates our continuous efforts in supervising the work of both the executive and legislative authorities in this area. It will do all that is in its power to prompt the two authorities to introduce the mentioned reforms to the electoral law. Because we are well aware of the importance of the joint cooperation in the success of any reform, the CCER calls on the public opinion to show its support to the campaign’s activities and to stand side by side in any future actions. We hope that the concerns we have voiced here today will be heard, because as the civil society, our main concern is the adoption of a modern and democratic electoral law that contributes to the innovation and development of the political and legislative actions for the better. We hope to witness the birth of the new law by the 2013 elections.
Thank you. Beirut, October 27, 2010.
The Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform’s meeting
The Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform (CCER) met today with President Michel Sleiman and displayed all reforms that should be introduced to the 2013 parliamentary law. The President sponsored the new reformative approach and adopted all the suggested reforms. The CCER’s delegation confirmed that it will do everything in its power to include a large number of reforms in the upcoming 2013 electoral law. The CCER is still conducting meetings with officials and political forces to display and discuss reformative principals. It will launch a campaign to raise awareness amongst voters as soon as possible.
Beirut, November 12, 2010.
The Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform’s Appeal
The Parliament should pass the Municipality and Ikhtiyari elections bill within the legal deadline so as to hold the elections on time with all suggested reforms During the fifteen-day deadline following the submission of the Municipality and Ikhtiyari elections bill, the committees did not reach an agreement concerning the proposed reforms. Therefore the bill will be submitted to the joint parliamentary committees. The Civil Campaign for Electoral Reform (CCER) praises the efforts exerted by all MPs taking part in parliamentary committees in charge of examining the bill. The CCER underscores the importance of examining and discussing the ins and outs of the bill before making a hasty decision. The CCER called on Speaker Berri as well as all Members of Parliament to commit to the legal deadline in order to hold Municipality elections on time in line with the bill proposed by the cabinet. All the reforms suggested in the bill were discussed, examined and agreed upon by different political parties represented in the Parliament; therefore we should seize this opportunity at hand and conduct the elections on time. The CCER calls on the committees concerned to commit to the legal deadline, conclude discussions by the end of this week and defer it to the concerned public body that will cast its vote before the end of the current month i.e. before September 2nd the date set by the Interior Minister for the elections. The CCER stresses that the reforms are not mere formalities and should not be taken lightly since they guarantee the citizens’ right to fair, just and democratic elections. All the questions asked by the MPs concerning the reforms were answered during the successive sessions. Therefore, the CCER rejects the notion that the adoption of reforms will prevent the elections from being held on time. The CCER would like to remind the public opinion that elections are amongst the basic human rights that every citizen is allowed to enjoy.
