Beirut: The Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections (LADE) has released its report on the 2025 municipal and mayoral elections in Mount Lebanon Governorate, highlighting "gaps in polling station staff performance, violations of electoral silence, and breaches of ballot secrecy despite proper organization."
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the report follows the first phase of the elections held on May 4, 2025, and points out that although the process was generally well-organized, several serious concerns were noted. These included weaknesses among polling station staff, limited familiarity with electoral law, and security issues that led to disorder at some locations. LADE emphasizes the significance of these elections as they were the first municipal elections in nine years, conducted amid Lebanon's ongoing economic collapse and a complicated political environment.
LADE deployed 300 observers across Mount Lebanon, with 200 stationed at polling centers and 100 as mobile observers. Despite the challenges, the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities' commitment and rapid response to logistical and technical issues on election day were acknowledged. However, the insufficient training of polling station staff was a major concern, leading to confusion and delays. LADE calls on the Ministry to address these deficiencies ahead of upcoming election phases in other governorates.
The legal framework, particularly the application of Parliamentary Elections Law No. 44/2017 to municipal elections, created procedural ambiguities. Violations of electoral silence were rampant, with media outlets airing statements from political officials and interviewing voters about their choices. LADE documented 838 violations, primarily breaches of ballot secrecy and logistical issues, such as delays in opening polling stations and improper sealing of ballot boxes.
Security incidents were reported at various polling centers, necessitating intervention by security forces. LADE also noted the lack of readiness of polling centers to accommodate voters with disabilities and the elderly, indicating a need for better planning to ensure inclusive participation.
The report details the violations and irregularities observed by LADE, reiterating its commitment to monitoring the electoral process across Lebanon's remaining governorates. LADE urges the Ministry of Interior to address these gaps to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
LADE's monitoring methodology involved 300 observers, with 200 at polling stations and 100 mobile observers. Key violations included logistical challenges, breaches of ballot secrecy, violations of electoral silence, and security incidents. The report provides a preliminary tally of violations, including voter intimidation, procedural obstructions, and ballot secrecy breaches.
LADE encourages citizens to report observed violations through its hotline or mobile application, ensuring continuous monitoring and accountability in the electoral process.